BREAKING: Holstein Canada CEO exits after 2 years as the board launches a new strategic plan. The interim leaders are named to maintain stability.
Holstein Canada is undergoing a significant leadership transition as CEO Sartaj Sarkaria departed the organization just as she was approaching her second anniversary. The Board of Directors, led by President Gilles Côté, announced today that an immediate search for new leadership will begin, with long-time executives Linda Markle and Chris Bartels stepping in as interim Co-Chief Operating Officers. This abrupt change comes as the organization develops a new three-year strategic plan and implements governance enhancements to serve its 9,200+ members across Canada better. The timing of this transition marks exactly two years since Sarkaria took the reins on May 1, 2023, following the termination of previous CEO Vincent Landry in September 2022.
THE DEPARTURE AND OFFICIAL STATEMENT
In a media release issued today, Holstein Canada President Gilles Côté announced that “CEO Sartaj Sarkaria is no longer with Holstein Canada,” careful to acknowledge her contributions during her time with the organization. The board expressed gratitude for her service but provided no specific reason for the departure.
“We are grateful for her service and contributions to the association during her tenure as CEO and wish her the best in her future endeavors,” stated Côté in the official release. The board emphasized that operations would continue without interruption during this transition period.
Sarkaria joined Holstein Canada on May 1, 2023, bringing experience from her previous role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at the Canadian Marketing Association. At the time of her appointment, then-President Ben Cuthbert highlighted her experience, expertise, and people-first approach as key qualities that would help the organization achieve its strategic objectives.
INTERIM LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The board has appointed Linda Markle and Chris Bartels as Co-COOs to lead the organization while the search for a new CEO unfolds. This dual leadership approach leverages the complementary expertise of two veteran Holstein Canada executives.
Linda Markle brings decades of experience as Herdbook and Genotyping Services Manager at Holstein Canada. Her institutional knowledge runs deep – Markle previously stepped into leadership during another transition period when she was appointed interim General Manager following the termination of former CEO Vincent Landry in September 2022.
“Linda’s steady hand during previous transitions makes her an ideal choice to help guide the organization through this period,” said a Holstein Canada board member who requested anonymity. “Her knowledge of our core registry services is unmatched.”
Chris Bartels, who joined Holstein Canada as Genomics Services Manager in 2021, complements Markle’s experience with his AI industry background and genetic planning expertise. A graduate of the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree, Bartels grew up on a dairy farm in the Niagara region and has held various positions in both solutions and sales roles in the AI industry.
IMPACT ON CANADIAN HOLSTEIN BREEDERS
For the thousands of dairy producers who rely on Holstein Canada’s services, the board has emphasized continuity during this transition. “Please be assured that our mission, programs, and operations continue without interruption. We remain deeply committed to serving our members and partners across all regions and advancing our work together,” stated Côté in the release.
This leadership change comes at a pivotal time, as Holstein Canada is developing a new three-year strategic plan and implementing enhancements to processes and governance policies. The timing suggests the board may be looking to take the organization in a new direction, potentially adapting to evolving industry needs.
“Leadership transitions, while challenging, often present opportunities for organizations to reassess priorities and strengthen their focus,” notes a dairy industry analyst. “The key will be maintaining momentum on the core services that members depend on while positioning for future growth.”
HOLSTEIN CANADA’S CONTINUED MISSION AND SERVICES
Holstein Canada serves approximately 9,200 members nationwide and is responsible for maintaining the Holstein Herdbook under the Federal Animal Pedigree Act of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Association provides numerous services to its members, including genetic improvement programs to enhance profitability for dairy producers nationwide.
Under Sarkaria’s leadership, Holstein Canada continued its partnerships with industry leaders, including renewing its agreement with Zoetis to provide members with genomic testing options through its Medium Density panel, which offers accurate genomic evaluations combined with milk proteins, recessives, and other value-added data.
The organization has also focused on strengthening its classification programs, which have historically set records for the number of animals classified. Holstein Canada has processed hundreds of thousands of registrations in previous record-setting years and conducted over 16,000 herd visits annually.
LOOKING AHEAD: A NEW CHAPTER FOR HOLSTEIN CANADA
As Holstein Canada begins its search for new leadership, President Côté frames this transition as an opportunity: “As we look to the future, this transition offers a valuable opportunity to build on the strong foundation that has been established. We are entering an exciting chapter for Holstein Canada, where we will continue to grow, adapt, and pursue new opportunities that align with our mission and the evolving needs of our members.”
The board’s focus on developing a new strategic plan suggests they’re taking a proactive approach to setting the organization’s future direction. With the dairy industry facing rapid technological changes – including the growing importance of artificial intelligence in farm management for 2025 – Holstein Canada’s next leader will need to navigate traditional breeding values and cutting-edge innovations.
For Canadian Holstein breeders, the promise of continued service delivery through this transition will be critical as they manage their herds and make genetic improvement decisions that impact their long-term profitability. The selection of the next CEO will be watched closely by industry stakeholders across the country.
Executive Summary
Holstein Canada CEO Sartaj Sarkaria has abruptly departed the organization shy of her second anniversary, with Co-COOs Linda Markle and Chris Bartels stepping into interim leadership. The board announced immediate plans to search for a permanent replacement while emphasizing uninterrupted services for its 9,200+ members. Sarkaria’s exit follows a tenure marked by genomic partnerships and record classification numbers, though no specific reason was given. The transition coincides with the developing of a new three-year strategic plan and governance updates, signaling a potential shift in direction. Holstein Canada assures breeders of continued herdbook management and genetic programs, framing the change as an opportunity to address evolving industry needs.
Learn more:
- Holstein Canada Announces Gilles Côté as New President for 2024-2025
Meet the new leadership team and discover their vision for Holstein Canada’s future amid industry change. - Paul Larmer Steps In as the Holstein Canada Board’s New Problem Solver Amid Challenges
Former Semex CEO Paul Larmer joins as Special Advisor to help Holstein Canada’s Board navigate internal turmoil and industry pressures. - Holstein Canada President Steps Down From Role
Explore the circumstances and implications of recent leadership changes at Holstein Canada, including the resignation of President Nancy Beerwort.
