The company, formerly called Westland Milk Products, was bought by Chinese company Yili in 2019 after 94 per cent of farmer shareholders voted to accept its $588 million offer and the deal was approved by the Overseas Investment Office.

In a press release, the company said Brendish decided to step down “to allow a new leader to take Westland into the future with Yili”.

Her last day would be Friday.

Yili’s Westland Dairy Company and Oceania Dairy director Shiqing Jian would take over her role.

Jian said Brendish had been head of Westland during its most difficult years.

“Repositioning Westland away from an historical commodities’ producer to a modern company with hugely successful branded products such as Westgold, as well as segregated milk products among other key innovations, has ensured that Westland will continue to be part of the New Zealand dairy industry for the next generation,’’ he said.

“Yili is grateful to Toni for her stewardship of Westland over the past 12 months as we transitioned to Yili ownership. We wish Toni all the best for her future endeavours.’’

Brendish said it had been a privilege to lead Westland over the past four years.

“It has taken an enormous amount of work to move Westland towards profitability, but I am confident that Westland is now in a position to achieve this.

“I will continue to watch Westland’s journey closely and know that Westland’s dedicated and innovative staff will continue to keep pushing Westland forward.’’

The company’s management reportedly collectively pocketed well over $1m after the deal went through. Brendish received $680,000, with other executive staff in line for payments of $100,000 to $360,000.