Community
3 July, 2024
Fonterra announces executive changes
FONTERRA Co-operative Group Ltd has announced the internal appointment of two new management team members to help lead the Co-op’s step-change in strategic direction and announced an executive team member moving into a new role.
Richard Allen, Fonterra’s President Atlantic, has been appointed to the role of president global markets ingredients.
René Dedoncker, Fonterra’s managing director Oceania, has been appointed to the role of managing director global markets consumer and foodservice.
Mr Dedoncker will also retain direct responsibility for the management of the Oceania business and his position as managing director of Fonterra Oceania remains unchanged
Chief executive officer Miles Hurrell said both “Richard and René are experienced leaders who know the Co-op well and their appointments to the Fonterra management team demonstrates the depth of capability within Fonterra”.
“Richard Allen has been with Fonterra since 2008 and has held a number of significant roles across the business during this time, including leading our Foodservice business in Greater China and our Farm Source business here in New Zealand,” he said.
“In his current role as president Atlantic, Richard is responsible for Fonterra’s operations across the Americas and Europe as well as our top global Ingredients accounts.
“Richard has a sharp commercial mind and I look forward to seeing how he deepens our strategic customer relationships and drives further value through our Global Markets Ingredients business.”
Mr Hurrell said Mr Dedoncker had been with the Co-op since 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time.
“He has led our Australian business since 2017, including through its recent merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania,” he said.
“In this new role, René will provide leadership to our global markets consumer business during the potential divestment process, with a focus on continuing to drive performance.
“René will also lead development and delivery of the strategic growth plans for our Foodservice business outside of greater China.
“I congratulate both 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 from August 1 and will replace global markets CEO Judith Swales.