Keynote Speakers

Zion joined the Jamie Kay team as CEO in 2023. As a values-based leader Zion is world- renowned for his ability to connect and empower teams, foster a diverse and inclusive culture, and grow talent. He believes if you put people first results will always follow. A former president of adidas North America, Zion oversaw the business in the U.S and Canada and was responsible for driving the vision and culture.

Zion’s successful history with adidas spanned many years and many countries. Starting in 1998 the journey took him to Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea and the US with role progressions from Product Manager to president of adidas North America. During his time Zion led the North American team to deliver record results, more than doubling revenues to 6BLN USD and posting record profitability. Alongside his role at Jamie Kay, Zion is non-executive director of KMD Brands and US company, Cosmo.

Zion Armstrong is an avid sports fan. He competed in the IAAF World Junior Championships and the Commonwealth Games and is a former New Zealand record holder for 400-metre hurdles. Born and raised in New Zealand, Zion is one of 10, he has six sisters and three brothers. Zion has two kids and lives in between Auckland and Christchurch.

Cam is New Zealand’s leading independent economist, with extensive experience in business and agriculture and brings a local and international flavour to his conversations. Cam’s ability to take complicated and complex information and data and make it accessible and meaningful for his audience sets him apart.

Cam also runs two other businesses besides Bagrie Economics and sits on a couple of boards so is a business honed economist, not a theory or ivory tower based one. Join Cam as he takes us through the issues and opportunities for the dairy sector, provides commentary and analysis on what the present and future holds and how the sector can thrive in these uncertain times. A not to be missed intimate breakfast where you’ll get to be informed, ask questions and engage with fellow business owners.

Dr John Roche is a globally recognised expert in agricultural science and was appointed Chief Science Advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in May 2025.

He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Advisory Council, which was established to guide the government on key scientific priorities and challenges.

Dr Roche grew up on a dairy farm in Castleisland, Ireland, where his early experiences shaped his passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability. He holds an Honours degree in Animal Science, a Master’s in Farm Systems and Pasture Management, and a PhD in Animal Nutrition. His academic and professional career spans Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, with a focus on advancing sustainable farming practices and improving agricultural productivity.

Dr Roche has also served as Chief Science Adviser at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) since 2018, a role he continues on a part time basis. At MPI, he led the organisation’s science forum, chaired the science governance group, and oversaw the independent Mycoplasma bovis Strategic Science Advisory Group. He also contributed to the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor’s Forum and held an adjunct professorship at the University of Auckland’s School of Biological Sciences.

Dr Roche’s previous roles include Principal Scientist for Animal Science at DairyNZ, where he worked on innovative solutions to enhance the dairy sector’s sustainability and resilience. His expertise in animal nutrition, farm systems, and pasture management has made him a trusted advisor in both scientific and policy circles.

Colin Glass is the Chief Executive of New Zealand’s largest dairy farming enterprise, a business with assets exceeding one billion dollars and a farming footprint that includes more than 60,000 cows farmed throughout the South Island. Under his leadership, the organisation has delivered sustained growth, operational excellence, and a reputation for developing exceptional people.
Over his 25-year tenure, Colin has been instrumental in supporting Dairy Holdings people to complete more than 50 purchases - a testament to his commitment to lifting capability and creating meaningful pathways within the dairy sector. His influence extends well beyond day-to-day operations; he is widely respected for his strategic insight, industry and irrigation knowledge, and dedication to advancing New Zealand dairy farming.
Alongside leading the country’s largest dairy enterprise, Colin has contributed extensively to national and regional organisations that champion the interests of New Zealand dairy farmers, reinforcing his standing as a trusted and influential voice within the sector - Legendairy.
Colin, his wife Paula, and two girls are also dairy farmers, operating successful farming businesses in the Methven area.

Leonie Guiney is a South Island dairy farmer, ex Fonterra director, and strong advocate for New Zealand’s world leading pasture-based systems.
Together with her husband Kieran, they have built a highly successful multi farm business by focusing on simple, low input, clover driven systems that deliver resilience, profitability, and environmental strength. Leonie and Kieran are classic examples of what can be achieved within our industry.
A Wellington local, Leonie completed her studies at Massey University and went on to work in dairy consulting before she and Kieran took up a contract milking opportunity in 2002. From there, they have steadily built their business to achieve significant land ownership across several regions. Throughout their journey, they have encouraged their team to follow a similar path to success, all this while at the same time being a champion voice for dairy farmers across New Zealand.

Will Grayling is a leading New Zealand dairy farmer and agribusiness professional, recognised for his leadership in large scale pasture-based operations and his 2011 FMG New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year title.
Will, together with his wife Kimberly, form a young and ambitious couple who have built and continue to grow high performing dairy businesses in Canterbury through 50/50 sharemilking and equity partnerships, including major operations with long standing partners Jim and Sue van der Poel.
Alongside his own achievements, Will is a strong supporter of Kimberly’s work and the significant impact she has made through the successful Grassroots Dairy Graduate Programme - an initiative that has helped open doors for emerging talent in the rural sector. Their combined drive, vision, and complementary strengths have become a defining part of their ongoing business success.
Will has also contributed to industry governance in roles with organisations such as Ballance Agri Nutrients and now serves as Chairman of Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation. He is widely respected for his commitment to operational excellence, sustainable farming systems, and developing great people within the dairy sector.

Theme: Turning Knowledge into Value

Julia Jones

Zion Armstrong

Cameron Bagrie

Dr John Roche

LEGENDS & LEADERS OF DAIRY PANEL

Colin Glass

Leonie Guiney

Will Grayling

Delegate registration

Lincoln University - April 2026