Lely North America Announces Leadership Change

PELLA, Iowa, May 22, 2025

The Board of Directors for Lely North America announced today that after 18 years in various leadership roles, including the past 6 years as President & Managing Director, Chad Huyser will step down and pursue other opportunities outside of the organization.

Martijn Boelens, Lely North America Board Chair commented, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude to Chad for his leadership, contributions and helping to build Lely North America to where we are today, a strong company with talented employees and a strong brand image. During his 18 years, Chad has dedicated his energy into the company and with the support of many North American team members, both past and present, the organization has achieved several significant milestones including over 7000 milking robots installed, over 50 Lely Center Partners, Lely’s first and second manufacturing expansion outside Europe, and countless industry partnerships advancing dairy automation in North America.  We wish him all the best with his next challenges.” 

Huyser’s last day within the organization will be May 30, and he will remain available to the Board thru the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.  In the interim, Adam Danzinger, Director of Proposition/Commercial, will lead the North American team as Lely begins an executive search for a new President.

About Lely North America

Lely North America, based in Pella, Iowa, is part of the Lely Group, founded in 1948. Lely directs all effort toward creating a sustainable, profitable and enjoyable future in farming for its customers. Using the cow as a center point, the company develops premium robotics and data systems that increase animal welfare, flexibility and production on dairy farms.

For more than 30 years, Lely has been the leader in the sale and service of automated milking systems to successive generations of dairy farmers across the globe. Every day, Lely inspires its employees to offer customers innovative solutions and be reliable partners for long-term advice and support. With its head office in The Netherlands and a worldwide network of dedicated Lely Center locations for tailor-made sales and support, the Lely Group is active in more than 40 countries and employs over 2,500 people. www.lely.com

For more information, please contact Xavier Drake, Corporate Communications at Lely North America: xdrake@lely.com, 641-621-2700.