Foodstuffs South Island appoints new GM Supply Chain

Foodstuffs South Island has appointed experienced supply chain and logistics executive Tonille Crombie as its new General Manager Supply Chain.

Crombie will join the co-operative’s Leadership Team on 1 February 2027, bringing extensive experience in supply chain management across the food manufacturing, dairy and transport sectors.

She joins Foodstuffs South Island from Talley’s Group Ltd, where she has been Group General Manager Procurement and Supply Chain since 2024.

Prior to that, Crombie served as Chief Executive Officer of Hall’s Cold Chain Logistics, one of New Zealand’s largest temperature-controlled logistics providers. During her three-year tenure, she led significant improvements in health and safety, revenue performance and technology systems.

Crombie has also held senior supply chain and operations leadership positions with Open Country Dairy, Amcor and Fonterra.

“Tonille brings exceptional experience and expertise in supply chain management and driving performance in complex and fast-moving environments,” Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive Mary Devine said.

“Just as importantly, she’s a strong people leader who understands how to build engaged teams and create a culture where people can perform at their best.”

Foodstuffs South Island operates a significant supply chain network supporting 166 family-owned Four Square, New World, PAK’nSAVE and On the Spot stores. Every week that network travels more than 200,000 kilometres and delivers around 1.3 million cartons to keep the South supplied.

Devine said Crombie’s appointment reflects the significance of resilient and efficient supply chain operations to the co-operative and its suppliers.

“Our supply chain plays a critical role in keeping the South supplied, connecting suppliers with our family-owned stores and ensuring food and products are available for people across the South Island.

“Tonille’s operational expertise, strategic thinking and leadership experience will complement and elevate what is already a very capable and proven function and help position us well for the future.”

Crombie said she was looking forward to joining Foodstuffs South Island and the prospect of returning to Ōtautahi.

“Foodstuffs South Island has a strong reputation for supporting its family-owned stores, customers and communities. The opportunity to join a co-operative with such strong local roots was incredibly appealing.

“Strong supply chains are built on great people, strong supplier relationships and a commitment to continuous improvement. Foodstuffs South Island values all of those things and I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on the capability already in place.”

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and a period of interim leadership within the Supply Chain function. Tim Donaldson has led the team since March and will return to his GM Retail and Property role following a handover with Crombie.

Photo supplied by Foodstuffs South Island

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