Change of leadership in China

Xinwei Liu, Vice President and Head of Arla China is to leave Arla to seek new opportunities and will be succeeded by Harrison Cheng, at the end of the year.

Xinwei Liu joined Arla five years ago and her last working day will be 30 December 2022.

Executive Vice President and head of the international zone, Simon Stevens, says: “We want to thank Xinwei for her dedicated service that has led to numerous successes for the organization. Xinwei joined Arla as its Vice President and Head of China in 2017. Since then she has developed, and has begun delivering, the new strategy, built important strategic partnerships, improved and stabilized operations and organizational processes, delivered 2.5 times revenue growth during the period 2017 to 2021, and significantly improved the profitability of our business in China. Her management and partnership building skills have created a foundational structure that will serve Arla China for years to come. We would like to thank Xinwei for the commitment, passion, creativity, and enthusiasm she has given Arla during her tenure. We wish Xinwei the very best of luck in her future professional endeavours.”

Commenting on her decision to leave Arla, Xinwei said: “It has been an honour to serve as the VP and Head of Arla China since 2017. I’m so proud of the accomplishments we made together to advance Arla in China, and will always hold Arla and the Chinese organization close to my heart. I want to express my profound gratitude to all who are supportive to the organization and to me personally over the years: our EMT members, all colleagues, partners and customers. Without you, the organization will not be as strong and resilient as it is today. I’m very excited for Arla’s future, and watch with anticipation how Arla will continue to take strides to advance dairy industry globally. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to serve as the VP and Head of China through a very exciting period, and for the trust and support of our work over the years.”

Welcome Harrison Cheng

Taking the reins of the China business is Harrison Cheng, who joins International as Vice President for China as of 15 December 2022. In his new position, Harrison will be responsible for the execution of the China 2026 strategy.

On his appointment, Simon Stevens, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Harrison into Arla. He is an experienced business leader with strong leadership skills and brings a commercial background from A2 Milk and Dumex/Yashili. As General Manager for Dumex in Yashili Group during 2017 – 2019, Harrison was responsible for the Arla Baby & Me infant formula brand in China. He delivered significant growth and won market share, and I am very much looking forward to working with Harrison and him delivering that level of great performance again. He has high aspirations for the China business and is committed to driving growth building on the strong foundations created by Xinwei and the team.”

On joining Arla, Harrison Cheng, says: “First of all, I am very excited to join Arla. It has a very unique gene as a farmer owned dairy cooperative company and is well-known for leading sustainability, quality control, nature and nutritious dairy products. In addition, in China, it is particularly recognised as the world’s biggest organic dairy company. Secondly, I was impressed by Arla’s history, portfolio and brand assets when I had close business connections in my previous role so to be given the opportunity to ‘re-join’ Arla family fills me with even more excitement. Last, but not the least, China is the 2nd biggest dairy market in the world and I am humbled and excited to work together with the Arla China team, Arla global team and other stakeholders to provide the best and nature dairy products and best service for China consumers.”