Australian Dairy Nutritionals (AHF) has appointed Mahinthan ‘Mahi’ Sundaranathan as its new CEO. This decision comes after Peter Skene stepped down from his position to pursue other interests. Skene, who had been with the Victoria-based group for 14 years, will continue to assist in the transition to the new CEO for up to three months.
Sundaranathan brings over 20 years of experience in the dairy industry, having worked in Australian, Chinese, and other Asian markets. He previously held important roles at companies like a2 Milk Company, where he was the sales and marketing director, and Fonterra, where he was a senior brand manager.
AHF expressed confidence in Sundaranathan’s capabilities, noting his expertise in brand management, new product development, and project management in the FMCG and dairy sectors. Peter Nathan, the chair of AHF, stated, “We’re confident that Mahi is well placed to lead the company through its next phase of growth both domestically and internationally.”
With Skene stepping down as CEO, Nathan also took over as chair of the company. AHF, a vertically-integrated business with dairy farms and a processing facility in south-west Victoria, focuses on producing infant formula and other dairy nutritionals like milk powders.
In a strategic move in 2022, AHF ceased fresh milk production at its Camperdown site to concentrate on infant formula production. This shift aligns with the company’s goal of honing its resources to meet consumer demands in the food and beverage industry.
By appointing Sundaranathan as CEO, AHF aims to leverage his expertise to drive growth and innovation in the food and drink business. Sundaranathan’s deep knowledge of the infant formula market in China positions him well to lead the company towards new opportunities and expansion in the industry.
Transitioning leadership roles is crucial for the continuity and success of any organization, and AHF’s selection of Sundaranathan as the new CEO reflects the company’s strategic vision for the future. This move underscores AHF’s commitment to staying competitive in the ever-evolving food and beverage industry landscape.