New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
Fonterra has appointed two new members to its management team, as part of the co-op’s “step-change in strategic direction”.
Richard Allen, Fonterra’s Atlantic division president, has been appointed to the role of president of global markets ingredients. René Dedoncker, Fonterra’s managing director Oceania, has been appointed to the role of managing director global markets consumer and foodservice.
Co-operative Group Ltd has today announced the internal appointment of two new management team members to help lead the Co-op’s and announced an executive team member moving into a new role.
Chief executive Miles Hurrell says both Allen and Dedoncker are experienced leaders who know the co-op well and their appointments to the Fonterra management team demonstrates the depth of capability within the co-op.
Allen has been with Fonterra since 2008 and has held several significant roles across the business during this time, including leading its foodservice business in Greater China and the Farm Source business in NZ.
“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,” says Hurrell.
![]() |
|---|
|
René Dedoncker |
“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.
Dedoncker has been with the co-op since 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time. He has led the Australian business since 2017, including through its recent merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania.
“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,” says Hurrell.
The appointments will be effective from 1 August 2024. The two roles replace the role of global markets CEO held by Judith Swales, who leaves the co-op at the end of next month.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.

OPINION: Town and country find themselves on the same page when it comes to anger over price hikes from NZ…
OPINION: When Donald Trump returned to the White House, many people with half a brain could see the results for…