Legendary SA chocolate boss to retire
The CEO of South Australia’s most iconic chocolate company has announced his retirement after 30 years at the helm of the business, and will be replaced by someone outside of the family dynasty.
Haigh’s chief operating officer Peter Millard will be the first CEO in the 110-year history of the chocolate company from outside of the family when he replaces outgoing boss Alister Haigh.
Alister today announced his retirement after 30 years running the chocolate maker, which will remain family owned once he steps down on August 4.
The outgoing CEO will remain on the board alongside his fourth-generation family members Simon Haigh and Sara Fitzgerald.
It comes as Haigh’s is set to soon complete its $130 million manufacturing facility at Salisbury South later this year, and as the business opens its seventh Sydney store in Broadway in September.
Alister, who started working at Haigh’s in 1973 and was appointed CEO in 1995, oversaw significant growth of the chocolate business which has since tripled in size and now produces more than 1000 tonnes of chocolate annually.
“Reflecting on my time, it’s incredible to think how far we have come over the years with more than 300 chocolate varieties, 900 employees, 21 stores and grown tenfold all while remaining true to the heritage and quality Haigh’s is known for,” Alister said.
“Peter has been integral to our success here at Haigh’s, responsible for the businesses’ day-to-day operations while proudly spearheading the development of our Salisbury South facility alongside a high-performing team.
“I feel confident knowing that the business will continue to thrive and grow under his exceptional leadership.”
Millard has 19 years of experience at Haigh’s where he started as a supply chain manager before moving into his current COO role which he has held for the past four years.
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He said he was inspired by Alister’s “ambitious, humble and personable leadership”.
“Alongside the family I remain passionate about preserving the enduring quality of Haigh’s premium chocolate to delight generations of chocolate lovers for years to come,” he said.
It is the second iconic South Australian business to pass leadership of the company to a non-family member in 2025.
Earlier this year, Dr Tim Cooper announced he would step down and be replaced by Michael Shearer – previously the general manager of the brewery.
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