SPEAKER INFORMATION: SESSION ONE
MEET THE SYMPOSIUM SPEAKERS OF SESSION ONE
Welcome and introductions
Christine Leighton
Christine Leighton is the project manager of the Consumer Education Project Milk SA, which focuses on educating consumers and health professionals on the health and nutritional benefits of dairy. Christine Leighton holds a BSc Food Science and Nutrition (Ed) and a MSc Consumer Science from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She was a researcher in the field of consumer science and sensory evaluation, and has written numerous articles and reports on sensory and consumer insights of food products. She is a currently president of the South African Society of Dairy Technology and chair of the standing committee of marketing of the International Dairy Federation.
Dairy outlook local and global
Alwyn Kraamwinkel
Alwyn holds a BCom (Industrial Psychology, Economics and Business Economics); BCom Hon (Economics and Business Economics); and MCom (Marketing and Management). He is currently the CEO of South African Milk Processors’ Organisation (SAMPRO); member of the management committee of SAMPRO; chair of the board of directors of the Dairy Standard Agency, which is the most developed self-regulatory initiative in the South African agro-processing and food industries; member of the board of directors and executive committee of Milk SA, which is the umbrella organisation of the South African primary and secondary dairy industries, of which the members are the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) and SAMPRO; member of the standing committee on Dairy Policy and Economics of the International Dairy Federation; member of the South African national committee of the International Dairy Federation and the executive committee of the national committee, and member of the board of directors of the International Dairy.
Panel discussion: What drives innovation amidst global challenges
Dr Mark Chimes
Mark Chimes obtained his veterinary degree from Onderstepoort in 1986. In 2022, he was appointed manager of the Animal Health & Welfare Program at Milk SA, overseeing disease prevention and animal welfare initiatives in the dairy industry. He represents South Africa on the International Dairy Federation’s standing committee on animal health and welfare, and serves as a key representative for Milk SA at the National Animal Health Forum, Livestock Welfare coordinating committee, and South African Veterinary Association. As chairperson of the brucellosis and tuberculosis steering committee, he leads efforts to control these diseases, working closely with industry stakeholders. With extensive experience in veterinary science and livestock health, Mark plays a vital role in shaping policies that support sustainable and responsible dairy farming.
Dr Tertius Cilliers
Dr Tertius Cilliers began his career in 1995 as a research technologist at the ARC dairy
laboratory in Elsenburg, shortly after earning his BSc degree from Stellenbosch
University. In 2000, he joined Parmalat South Africa in the same role, completing his
honours degree at Stellenbosch University. In 2004, Dr Cilliers moved to Woolworths as a senior dairy yechnologist and, in 2005, co-founded Research Solutions, a dairy ingredients and R&D company. In 2010, Research Solutions was acquired by Danisco BV, which was later purchased by DuPont, where he worked as technical applications director and senior applications specialist. He earned his master’s degree in Biochemistry (cum laude) in 2007 and completed his doctorate in 2015, both from Stellenbosch University. In 2016, Dr Cilliers co-founded Synercore Holdings, a company specialising in ingredient and product solutions within the food industry, where he has served as chief executive o cer since its inception.
Nigel Lok
Nigel Lok is a prominent dairy farmer based in Tsitsikamma, South Africa, with over three decades of experience in the industry. He began his career as a farm manager and now owns and operates a 230-hectare farm, milking over 900 cows. Nigel has been at the forefront of integrating advanced technology into dairy farming. He implemented the Afimilk dairy management system on his farm, enabling individualised care for each cow. This system monitors factors such as body weight, lactation stage, and activity levels, allowing for precise feeding and health management. The adoption of this technology has optimised milk production and improved herd health. Beyond his farming endeavours, Nigel has contributed significantly to the South African dairy industry through leadership and advocacy. He remains actively involved in promoting sustainable farming practices and encouraging innovation in the sector. His commitment to strategic farming and technology-driven solutions continues to influence the adoption of best practices among dairy farmers nationwide.
Helen McDougall
With a track record of 25 years in the FMCG industry, Helen McDougall is currently the CEO of Woodlands Dairy group. She has worked in some incredible organisations like Kimberly-Clark, Proctor & Gamble, Kellogg’s, Danone and MARS, gaining perspective
across many categories, channels and markets within Africa. She has a proven track record of success across all sales functions and in the overall management of multinational business. She started her career in the medical industry and later diversified into the commercial space within FMCG. Over her career, Helen has received many accolades and awards for both her achievements and the work she does in the Inclusion & Diversity space. Contributing to and supporting the growth and development of others is something that Helen is extremely passionate about and is the inspiration behind being a co-founder of Women in Conversation, a NPC established to provide a platform for all women to challenge the prevalent issues faced by women in the workplace, touching on sensitive but necessary topics, with the ultimate goal of shaping a future South Africa that reflects our aspirations. Her life purpose of “Impact positively, love intentionally and inspire success”, is the driving force behind everything she embarks upon. Helen is married to Bradley, and they have three children between them.
The impact of dairy on human evolution
Pr Jay Stock
Jay Stock is a professor of Anthropology at Western University in Canada. His research involves both the study of ancient archaeological human remains and the physiology of living humans, to better to understand the impact of cultural change on human biology. Much of this work is focused on the impact of the transition from hunting and gathering to agricultural diets.
Abstract
Online talk: The impact of dairy products on human evolution
Dairy products was crucial for human survival in the ancient past. Milk consumption buffered nutritional stress of early farmers and was associated with selection on human lactase persistence genes and enhanced growth. This presentation reviews the evidence that ancient dairying influenced growth, biology, and cultural variation of human populations today.