Jun 25, 2026
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited (“Gay Lea Foods”) is proud to announce that its board of directors has been named one of Canada’s Best Private Boards for 2026, a national recognition celebrating excellence in private company governance and the impact of strong boards on organizational performance.
The award is presented by Canada’s Best Private Boards, a national program that recognizes organizations whose boards demonstrate exceptional leadership, stewardship and governance practices.
The Gay Lea Foods Board of Directors was recognized for its commitment to governance excellence, leadership development and continuous improvement, as well as its evolution into a high-performing board that combines strong fiduciary oversight with strategic stewardship. The board has helped guide the co-operative through significant growth, transformation and investment while remaining focused on creating long-term value for its more than 1,200 dairy farmer members.
“Our board is deeply committed to serving the best interests of our members – today and for generations to come,” said Chair Andrew Henderson. “This award reflects the dedication of our directors, delegates and management team to continuously improve how we lead, challenge and support the business. It also reflects the strong governance foundation built over many years, including the leadership and contributions of former Chair Rob Goodwill, whose commitment to board development and governance excellence helped shape the board we are today. As a farmer-owned co-operative, our responsibility extends beyond financial performance; it is about ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of our farmer members.”
As a Canadian dairy farmer-owned co-operative, Gay Lea Foods operates under a governance model that combines democratic producer-member representation with independent expertise. Members elect delegates who represent their interests and appoint the board of directors, while independent directors contribute specialized experience in areas such as finance, human capital, governance, risk management and business transformation. Together, this blend of experience helps ensure the board remains both grounded in the realities of dairy farming and equipped to address the opportunities and challenges facing a growing business.
Over the past two decades, the board has invested heavily in governance education, director development and succession planning to ensure it remains equipped to oversee a growing and increasingly complex business. Working closely with management, it has also played a key role in shaping the co-operative’s long-term strategy and positioning Gay Lea Foods for continued success.
“A strong board is one of the greatest assets an organization can have,” said Suzanna Dalrymple, President & CEO of Gay Lea Foods. “Our board brings deep industry knowledge, diverse perspectives and thoughtful challenge to every decision. This recognition reflects the strength of the partnership between the board and management team, and our shared commitment to creating value for our members, employees, customers and communities.”
Recipients of the 2026 Canada’s Best Private Boards awards will be celebrated at the Canada’s Best Private Boards Summit and Awards on November 5, 2026. Canada’s Best Private Boards is founded and produced by MondouxRollins Partners Inc., an independent executive and board search, and human capital advisory firm to private companies. More information about the program is available at boardies.ca.
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About Gay Lea Foods
Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative owned by approximately 1,200 dairy farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba. Founded in 1958, the co-operative produces a wide range of high-quality dairy products and ingredients under trusted brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Ivanhoe, Black River Cheese and Bothwell Cheese. Guided by its purpose to enrich life with dairy, Gay Lea Foods is committed to creating sustainable value for its members, employees, customers and communities.
Media Contact
Robin Redstone
Director, Communications
Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited
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