DairyNZ have announced the appointment of David Burger to the role of Chief Science and Innovation Officer

We are delighted to share that DairyNZ have announced that David Burger has been appointed in the role of Chief Science and Innovation Officer following an extensive national and international executive search by Baxter Executive Search.. We were pleased to partner with DairyNZ’s Chief Executive, Campbell Parker and GM People & Capability, Julia Murphy on this critical appointment.

“David has been with DairyNZ for over a decade and knows well how we can step up our delivery for farmers. I know he’s keen to turn strategy into action,” Chief Executive Campbell Parker says.

The role replaces the former GM Research & Science and the new title reflects the accelerating pace of change for dairy farmers and the emerging technology and farm systems solutions we need to support them with.

David will cover a broad range of responsibilities including DairyNZ’s science programme, economics and farm system modelling, research farms and NZ Animal Evaluation.

Dr Burger is a water quality scientist with more than 20 years of national and international experience and is passionate about ensuring New Zealand dairy farmers can continue to adapt their farm systems to be as sustainable and profitable as possible, well into the future. During his 12 years at DairyNZ he has led strategy, investment and operational governance across diverse portfolios bringing science, policy, and extension together.

“He is also an incredible advocate of the critical role science plays in the work DairyNZ does on behalf of farmers,” Campbell says. “We’re excited about the expertise, experience and leadership David brings to this role, and we’re confident his work will help strengthen the science that underpins our sector’s sustainability and success,” Campbell says.
Dr Burger was GM Farm Solutions & Policy, and a plan is in progress for his replacement. He remains based in Hamilton and takes up the new role from 1 September 2025.