Fonterra Co-operative, reportedly the largest milk processor in the world, announced the appointment of Theo Spierings as its new CEO July 14.
Spierings, who led the Dutch farmer dairy co-operative, Royal Friesland Foods, into a merger with Campina in 2008, will take over from Fonterra’s departing CEO, Andrew Ferrier, effective Sept. 26. Ferrier announced his resignation from Fonterra last March.
Fonterra’s Chairman, Sir Henry van der Heyden, said Spierings would bring to Fonterra 25 years of knowledge of the global dairy industry.
“Mr. Spierings has a wealth of experience in managing dairy businesses across Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Europe,” Sir Henry said. “Most importantly, Mr Spierings has an in-built respect for the co-operative structure and for farmers and their commitment to co-operative principles. He is well recognised by his peers for his people leadership, delivery of results and strong strategic skills.”
A farmer-owned New Zealand co-operative, Fonterra produces more than 2 million tonnes of dairy ingredients, value added dairy ingredients, specialty ingredients and consumer products every year. Fonterra is one of the world’s largest investors in dairy based research and innovation. It counts more than 100 markets around the world.
