Fonterra Appoints Group Director Co-operative Affairs

24 Jul 2014 --- Fonterra Co-operative Group appointed Miles Hurrell to the role of Group Director Co-operative Affairs, a senior management position reporting to the Chief Executive.

Chief Executive Theo Spierings said Mr Hurrell had the necessary commercial and relationship skills to build and maintain strong relations with farmers, and support Fonterra’s milk growth.

“Our New Zealand milk supply is a number one priority for Fonterra. Ensuring its sustainable growth and market share are key for our V3 business strategy, and a positive commercial approach is required in this role.

“The breadth of Miles’ business knowledge and experience means he is very well placed to deal with these challenges.

“In his current role as General Manager Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Miles has successfully taken our global business strategy and translated it into specific actions that deliver volume and value growth.  He oversaw a strategic review of some key markets that resulted in a significant increase in value within 18 months.

“At the same time he has shown agility in working with diverse cultures and customers, leading a large team spread across multiple geographies.  He has developed talented leaders in his team, to such an extent that more than half have been promoted to roles elsewhere in Fonterra,” said Mr Spierings.

Other key areas of focus for the Group Director Co-operative Affairs role include managing relationships with key stakeholders such as central, local and regional governments; and driving the global sustainability strategy.

Mr Hurrell joined the dairy industry in 2000, after spending the early years of his career working for a major international shipping line.  By 2008, he had become Sales Director – Europe, responsible for leading the sale of dairy ingredients within the region.

Mr Hurrell then led the global sourcing division in North America, establishing business partnerships with a number of key suppliers, before becoming the General Manager, Global Sourcing in 2009.He became General Manager, Middle East, Africa and CIS in 2010.

Mr Hurrell will take up his new position on 1 September.