FSF
01/08/2014 14:07
DIRECTOR
REL: 1407 HRS Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)
DIRECTOR: FSF: Fonterra Director Retires
Long-serving Fonterra director, Jim van der Poel, has announced that he will
retire from the
Co-operative's Board in November, after 12 years of service.
Chairman John Wilson said Mr van der Poel had been a conscientious and
hard-working director with a deep knowledge of the business.
"Jim has served as a great ambassador for Fonterra and our farmers both here
in New Zealand and our markets around the world.
"Jim is a successful commercial farmer with farming interests in Waikato,
Canterbury and the United States. He was a New Zealand Dairy Group director
for several years before Fonterra's formation, and was elected to the
Fonterra Board in 2002.
"It is important that Fonterra continues to attract farmers of his calibre to
the Board, who have proven commercial experience and abilities, have taken
part in our Governance Development Programme and gained governance
experience," said Mr Wilson.
Mr van der Poel said his Fonterra Board experience had been demanding and
enjoyable.
"The Co-operative has evolved significantly since its formation, both at a
business and governance level. The quality of the systems, processes and
strategy together with the skills of our people means the Co-op is in a
strong position to make the most of the opportunities from growing global
demand for dairy products.
"The depth and breadth of experience on Fonterra's Board, and focus on the
highest possible standards of governance has made for a stimulating
directorship.
"As I step aside from a role that I have found personally and professionally
rewarding, I would like to see more of our farmers getting involved in
governance early in their careers. In this way they can gain the skills
required for strong governance, and be ready to serve on Fonterra's Board.
"That is why I am announcing my retirement now, so others might be encouraged
to step up to the plate in this year's elections, or in subsequent years,"
said Mr van der Poel.
End CA:00253402 For:FSF Type:DIRECTOR Time:2014-08-01 14:07:49
