Haigh’s Chocolates chief executive Alister Haigh to retire, his successor the first member outside the family to run the company

The man behind the country’s favourite chocolate brand has made a major announcement about the running of the family-owned SA business after 30 years in charge.

Alister Haigh, chief executive of Australia’s beloved chocolate maker, Haigh’s Chocolates, has announced his retirement from the family business after three decades at the helm.

A great-grandson of founder, Alfred Haigh, he started working at the company in 1973, rising to the top job in 1995.

Mr Haigh, 69, has overseen huge expansion during his time. The Adelaide chocolatier has tripled its operations, now boasting 21 retail stores nationally, with a new $130 million manufacturing and warehouse facility set to open in Salisbury South later this year.

Mr Haigh will be succeeded by his chief operating officer Peter Millard – the first time in the business’s 110-year history that someone outside the family has been appointed chief executive.

Alfred Haigh opened his first retail store in the Beehive Corner building in 1915 with five generations of the Haigh family building on the legacy since, here and interstate.

Haigh's Chocolates chief executive Alister Haigh is retiring. Picture: Haigh's

Mr Haigh spent three decades at the helm. Picture: Dean Martin

“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,” said Mr Haigh.

Turning 70 later this month, he will take on an ambassador role and remain on the company’s board alongside his fourth-generation family members, brother Simon Haigh and Sara Fitzgerald.

Mr Millard has been with Haigh's for 19 years, starting as a supply chain manager in 2006.

He said he’s been “inspired” by his predecessor’s leadership.

Alister Haigh in the new Haigh factory at Mile End. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Alister Haigh with Haigh's products in 1994. Picture: Russell Millard

“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,” Mr Millard said.

Mr Haigh, who’s planning to spend more time with family on their Adelaide Hills farm, said the company’s future is in very good hands.

“Peter has been integral to our success … his work ethos is a testament to the Haigh’s values of contribution, determination and trust,” he said.

“I feel confident knowing that the business will continue to thrive and grow under his exceptional leadership.”

SWEET HISTORY OF SUCCESS

1915: Alfred Haigh opens the first Haigh’s Chocolates store on Beehive Corner on May 1.

1917: Haigh’s produces chocolate-covered fruit centres, which are still made today.

1933: Alfred’s son Claude takes over.

1939-45: Despite sugar rationing during war, Haigh’s makes boiled sweets and toffees for the armed forces.

1946: Alfred’s grandson, John Haigh, joins the company.

1965: Haigh’s opens its first store outside SA, in Collins St, Melbourne.

1973: Alister joins the family business, youngest brother Simon joins three years later

1990: John Haigh retires and sons Simon and Alister take over as joint managing directors

1993: Haigh’s produces its first chocolate Easter bilby

1995: Alister appointed chief executive

2005: Haigh’s opens its first Sydney store, in The Strand Arcade.

2014: The business’s first online store launches

2018: A new state-of-the-art chocolate processing factory opens in Mile End

Originally published as Haigh’s Chocolates chief executive Alister Haigh to retire, his successor the first member outside the family to run the company