Friday, 15 November 2024 14:22

Fonterra trims board size

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Fonterra chair Peter McBride with outgoing director Leonie Guiney at the AGM in New Plymouth. Fonterra chair Peter McBride with outgoing director Leonie Guiney at the AGM in New Plymouth.

Fonterra’s board has been reduced to nine - comprising six farmer-elected and three appointed directors.

Last year over 88% of voting farmer shareholders backed a board proposal to reduce the 11-member board to nine.

This year, three farmer-elected directors – chair Peter McBride, John Nicholls and Leonie Guiney retired by rotation. Guiney did not seek re-election after serving nine years on the board. McBride and Nicholls were re-elected unopposed.

Appointed director Clinton Dines has also retired after serving for nine years. He was replaced by Alistair Field, whose appointment was ratified by shareholders at the co-op’s annual meeting in New Plymouth yesterday.

Speaking at the meeting, McBride thanked Guiney and Dines for their time and energy.

“Your contribution to Fonterra has been significant, but in particular your focus on risk and balance sheet management has been invaluable as we have reset the business.

“If the measure of success for a director is leaving the organisation in better shape than you found it, then you have both unquestionably achieved that. Our Co-op is in good health.


Read More


“The sentiment we are receiving from farmers right now is overwhelmingly positive.”

More like this

No backing down

OPINION: Fonterra isn't backing down in its fight with Greenpeace over the labelling of its iconic Anchor Butter.

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving late.' 'The portions are wrong.' 'I wanted caviar.'

Fonterra mulls options - sale or IPO

An outright sale of Fonterra’s global consumer business is more likely than a float, says Forsyth Barr senior analyst equities, Matt Montgomerie.

Fonterra updates earnings

Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.

Featured

DairyNZ supports vocational education reforms

DairyNZ is supporting a proposed new learning model for apprenticeships and traineeships that would see training, education, and pastoral care delivered together to provide the best chance of success.

The Cook Islands squabble

The recent squabble between the Cook Islands and NZ over their deal with China has added a new element of tension in the relationship between China and NZ.

Wyeth to head Synlait

Former Westland Milk boss Richard Wyeth is taking over as chief executive of Canterbury milk processor Synlait from May 19.

National

Chilled cow cuts enter China

Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports into China following approval of its Levin and Mataura plants…

New CEO for Safer Farms

Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture, has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief…

Machinery & Products

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter