Wilson is one of three directors up for re-election. Wilson is the board’s choice for chairman-elect but the co-op’s 10,500 farmers have first to re-elect him to the board. Nominations will be called soon for directors. Wilson says he’s seeking re-election.
“In one sense it’s a good thing,” he told Dairy News. “That’s the way the dice has rolled and I’m one of the three retiring directors.
“The board has appointed me chairman-elect and it’s now up to the farmers to give their approval. I can’t have a clearer mandate than that for the job.”
Wilson, who grew up on the family farm in Te Awamutu, has been a director since 2003. A previous chairman of Fonterra Shareholders Council, he chaired the board’s capital structure committee.
The committee’s work culminated in TAF (trading among farmers) being approved in June by the co-op.
However, the TAF debate left the co-op divided with some shareholders still harbouring reservations on allowing outside investors to buy share units.
Wilson is aware of the need for a united co-op.
He intends to spend the four months before the annual meeting “visiting and listening” to farmers.
“I’m critically aware of the need to have a united co-op. But the most important thing we do as a co-op is have good discussions, listen to varying views, debate issues and move on.”
Wilson is confident Fonterra has everything in order at home. With TAF almost finalised and chief executive Theo Spierings’ strategy refresh in place, he believes the focus should now be global.
Volatility reigns in global markets and Fonterra must be in control of its business to tackle economic headwinds, he says. “The milk price is low and currency high; I think the strategy direction to focus globally is spot on.”
Fonterra’s board has for two years worked on a succession plan, including the departure of previous chief executive Andrew Ferrier and succession by Spierings.
Fonterra chairman Henry van der Heyden says he will work with Wilson over the next few months to assist with a smooth transition to provide continuity for the cooperative.
With van der Heyden in charge until December, Wilson says this gives him the opportunity to engage with directors, shareholders councillors and farmers. “It allows me to go in with a new pair of lenses, so when I’m re-elected there is a smooth transition and I can hit the ground running.”
Wilson says he’s humbled by the appointment. “The number of phone calls, emails and text messages from farmers has been remarkable.”
Apart from the family farm, Wilson is s stakeholder in several Canterbury farms.
He is also chairman of South Auckland Independent Testing Society Ltd and a director of Turner & Growers Ltd.
