Knowles completes the requirement of the company’s constitution for there to be three independent directors on the board upon of listing.
Synlait Milk chairman Graeme Milne said Knowles’ experience in establishing and growing Kiwibank into a significant New Zealand-owned and operated bank will be valuable to the company as it implements growth initiatives expected to cost about $183 million.
“Sam’s knowledge of the processes and capability-building required to complete a successful growth programme will be particularly beneficial for the board, senior management and the company’s future.”
Since leaving Kiwibank, after 10 years as founding chief executive, Knowles has become chairman of NZX listed online accountancy services provider Xero. He is also a director of SLI Systems and TrustPower as well as chairman or director of a number of unlisted technology companies.
Knowles will join former Fletcher Building chief financial officer Bill Roest and Milne, a former dairy industry executive who has guided the company’s growth since it was founded in 2005, as the independent directors on the Synlait Milk board.
