fbpx
Print this page
Tuesday, 16 January 2024 09:55

Fresh new role for Fonterra chair

Written by  Staff Reporters
Peter McBride Peter McBride

Fonterra chair Peter McBride has been named the new chair of Australia's largest fresh fruit, vegetable and cut flowers trader.

McBride says taking the chairmanship of Sydney Markets Ltd is an honour.

"I've spent a significant amount of my governance career in agribusiness, particularly large exporters and cooperatives," he says. "I look forward to working alongside shareholders and my fellow directors to bring the transformative change that is required to ensure the continuation of Sydney Markets' legacy."

McBride succeeds John Pearson, who retired in 2023 after serving as chair of SML for almost 19 years.

SML says McBride joins the company with "extensive leadership experience".

As well as chair of Fonterra, he is also a director of Sequal Lumber Ltd, a member of the New Zealand China Council and the Zespri Global Supply Advisory Board.

His previous governance roles include being a director and then chairman of Zespri International - the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit and a director of the New Zealand International Business Forum.

SML says McBride's proven track record of delivering shareholder value and international agribusiness experience make him an ideal leader for its next phase of growth.

SML is a "one-stop-shop" with produce, packaging, exporters, providores, food processors, warehouses, unloading services, cafés and agricultural supplies all on site.

SML's three businesses, Sydney Produce Market, Sydney Flower Market and Sydney Growers Market, comprise more than 700 businesses that sell fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers supplied by over 20,000 local and interstate growers.

Sydney Produce Market is the largest fresh fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Australia and one of the largest in the world, catering to professional buyers from supermarkets, restaurants, greengrocers, exporters and food processors.

More like this

Fonterra appoints new CFO

Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.

Featured

Bank helps clients reduce emissions

Rabobank says climate change creates both risks and opportunities for the bank and its clients and that the food and agriculture sector needs to recognise the potential for both.

Regional leader award

Eastern Bay of Plenty farmer Rebecca O’Brien was named the 2024 Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Regional Leader of the Year.

DWOTY Award 'an absolute honour'

Humbling, overwhelming, and an absolute honour. That’s how 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Katrina Roberts describes her win at the Dairy Women’s Network conference earlier this month.

New CEO for Dairy Goat Co-op

Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative (DGC) is revamping its leadership in the hope of recovering from its financial doldrums.

National

Rural GP's inspiring legacy

The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial…

Off the radar

A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media…

Machinery & Products

GPS in control

In a move that will make harvesting operations easier, particularly in odd-shaped paddocks, Kuhn has announced that GPS section control…