Fonterra Announces New Chairman Elect

Mr Wilson is a previous Chairman of the Co-operative's Shareholders' Council. John lives on his family dairy farm near Te Awamutu and also manages a dairy farming business in South Canterbury. He is the Chairman of South Auckland Independent Testing Society Ltd and a director of Turner & Growers Ltd.

26 Jul 2012 --- Fonterra Chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden announced that John Wilson has been elected by the Board as the Chairman Elect.

Mr Wilson will take up the role of Chairman when Sir Henry stands down as Chairman at the Co-operative’s Annual Meeting in December.

In congratulating John, Sir Henry says: “John brings lengthy experience in the dairy industry and has been on the Board since 2003.”

Mr Wilson is a previous Chairman of the Co-operative's Shareholders' Council. John lives on his family dairy farm near Te Awamutu and also manages a dairy farming business in South Canterbury. He is the Chairman of South Auckland Independent Testing Society Ltd and a director of Turner & Growers Ltd.

“Over the past two years the Board has been working through a considered and disciplined process to appoint a Chairman Elect and ensure the succession plan we have is in the best interest of the Co-operative,” says Sir Henry.

“John and I will work together over the next few months to assist with a smooth transition to provide continuity for the Co-operative.”

Sir Henry also congratulated Ian Brown on his election as Chairman of the Shareholders’ Council and Philip Palmer as the Deputy Chair of Council following a vote by Councillors yesterday.