Inghams Group announces Matthew Easton as new CEO for New Zealand

AUCKLAND: Inghams Group (ASX: ING), a leading poultry producer, announced the appointment of Matthew Easton as the new Chief Executive for its New Zealand operations, effective March 10, 2025.

This follows an ASX announcement on December 16, 2024, regarding the departure of the current Chief Executive, Edward Alexander, who will step down on June 30, 2025.

Andrew Reeves, CEO and Managing Director of Inghams, expressed his confidence in Easton’s capabilities, stating, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew as the next Chief Executive, New Zealand, for Inghams. Matthew’s breadth of experience and deep knowledge of the business make him uniquely qualified to lead the New Zealand business through its next evolution of growth.”

Easton joined Inghams in 2015 and has held various leadership roles, including General Manager of Sales and Marketing and General Manager of Operations and Planning. His extensive experience in strategy, sales, marketing, and operational management positions him well for his new role. Prior to joining Inghams, Easton worked at Accenture and Woolworths Group.

Easton holds a Master of Business Administration from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and Bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Science from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

Commenting on his appointment, Easton said, “I am excited to take on the role of Chief Executive, New Zealand, and proud to be leading the team providing chicken products that are enjoyed by millions of New Zealanders each week. I look forward to working with Andrew, Ed, and the talented New Zealand leadership team to build on our success and continue to deliver outstanding value to our customers and communities.”

Edward Alexander, the outgoing Chief Executive, praised Easton’s leadership qualities, saying, “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Matt over the past nine years, and I believe that his strong leadership qualities, experience, and deep knowledge of Inghams’ operations position him well to step into this role and continue driving our strategy forward.”

This leadership transition marks a significant step for Inghams as it continues to expand and innovate in the New Zealand market.