Spierings to step down

Fonterra’s board initiated international searches in November last year to identify potential candidates and is now shortlisting candidates.

Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the board was taking the decision to bring forward the announcement, which the board was expecting to make in April, to avoid speculation.

“It is not yet clear exactly when any appointment for Theo’s replacement will be made, but it is absolutely clear that Theo will continue in the meantime to drive the cooperative’s strategy and business, with special emphasis on China.

“The board and Theo are committed to a high-quality transition to a new CEO and when we have more information in regards to timing we will let our farmers and the wider market know. Until then it is business as usual with the focus on driving returns to our farmers and unitholders.

“We envisage that even after the announcement of our new CEO, Theo will be involved in an advisory role so that we make best use of his knowledge and expertise during the transition,” says Wilson. 

Spierings says that he has been proud to have led Fonterra as CEO for seven years as the cooperative has established a strong demand-led strategy and oriented itself to become innovative and sustainable.

“It is now time for a new CEO who can lead the cooperative through this next phase. The time is right for the co-operative and that is important to me and to the board.