NEW ZEALAND | Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd announced the internal appointment of two new management team members to help lead the Co-op’s strategic change and move an executive team member into a new role.
Richard Allen, Fonterra’s President Atlantic, has been appointed President of Global Markets Ingredients.
René Dedoncker, Fonterra’s Managing Director in Oceania, has been appointed Managing Director of Global Markets Consumer and Foodservice.
CEO Miles Hurrell said that both experienced leaders know the Co-op well, and their appointments demonstrate the depth of capability within Fonterra.
“Richard Allen has been with Fonterra since 2008 and has held several significant roles across the business, including leading our food service business in Greater China and our Farm Source business here in New Zealand,” said Hurrell.
As President of Atlantic, Allen has been responsible for Fonterra’s operations across the Americas and Europe and top global Ingredients accounts. His sharp commercial mind will deepen strategic customer relationships and drive further value through the Global Markets Ingredients business.
“René Dedoncker has been with the Co-op since 2005 and has held several global leadership positions. He has led our Australian business since 2017 through its recent merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania.”
Dedoncker will lead the Global Markets Consumer business during the potential divestment process, focusing on continuing to drive performance. He will also develop and deliver strategic growth plans for the food service business outside Greater China.
“I congratulate Richard and René on their appointments to the Fonterra Management Team and welcome their expertise as we deepen our position as a world-leading provider of high-value, innovative dairy ingredients.”
The appointments will be effective this August, and Global Markets CEO Judith Swales will be replaced.
Fonterra also announced that Emma Parsons, Managing Director of Strategy & Optimisation, has been appointed CEO of Kotahi Logistics LP, a joint venture between Fonterra and Silver Fern Farms.
Kotahi, New Zealand’s largest containerised freight manager, has worked to ensure New Zealand maintains a sustainable, secure supply chain and remains competitive on the world stage.
“Emma’s broad experience has seen her develop Fonterra’s export relationships and supply chain integration across Latin America, lead the design of our new capital structure, and more recently lead the implementation of our strategy.
Hurrel also acknowledged David Ross, who completed almost nine years as CEO of Kotahi.
