Fonterra Announces New Managing Director China

Mr Turner has recently held senior executive roles in Fonterra’s global dairy trade business, based in Tokyo, and previously in strategy and in leading the company’s government and trade team in Auckland.

06/04/09 Mr Turner will assume the position when the current Managing Director China, Bob Major, retires from Fonterra after the conclusion of his contract at the end of May 2009.

Fonterra Managing Director Asia and Middle East, Mark Wilson, said Bob Major had done an outstanding job managing the China business over the past five years.

“Bob has been with Fonterra since its inception and together with his earlier roles at the New Zealand Dairy Board he has given more than 28 years service to the New Zealand dairy industry and he will be greatly missed by many colleagues.

“During his time in the industry he was a member of both the Dairy Board’s Global Leadership Team and the Fonterra Leadership Team. He has made a huge contribution across a range of roles in Innovation, Operations, Sales, Strategy, Marketing and Management, which included postings in the Middle East, Hong Kong and China.”

Mr Wilson said Fonterra was fortunate to have Philip Turner take over the Managing Director China role.

Mr Turner has been the Chief Operating Officer of Fonterra China since late last year and has built a good understanding of the China business over this time. Mr Turner has recently held senior executive roles in Fonterra’s global dairy trade business, based in Tokyo, and previously in strategy and in leading the company’s government and trade team in Auckland.

“Phil’s global view and understanding of the world dairy commodity environment will stand him in good stead in leading our business in China,” said Mr Wilson.

“Fonterra has a 30-year history in China and this remains a very important market to us.”