FSF
09/06/2014 12:24
OFFICE
REL: 1224 HRS Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)
OFFICE: FSF: Fonterra Appoints MD Global Operations
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited announced today the appointment of Robert
Spurway to the role of Managing Director Global Operations, a newly-created
position on Fonterra's management team.
Chief Executive Theo Spierings said Mr Spurway was uniquely qualified for the
position.
"Robert is currently Acting Director New Zealand Operations in NZ Milk
Products, responsible for overseeing milk collection, manufacturing and
logistics for the Co-operative's New Zealand milk supply.
"One of our top business priorities is to optimise our global ingredients
sales and operations footprint, so we can better manage price volatility and
increase value, while ensuring a total focus on food safety and quality, and
our customers' needs.
"In his new role, Robert will lead the integration of our global milk
production capacity. While our operations will remain predominantly New
Zealand-based and our primary commitment is to our New Zealand farmer
shareholders, it is important to have more options about what products we
make and where we make them, to complement our New Zealand milk.
"Just as we have a global sales team selling ingredients around the world, we
also need an integrated approach to global manufacturing in markets where we
have a natural competitive advantage and access to local milk pools.
"Robert's appointment today means he will bring his deep knowledge of the
Co-operative, and his proven leadership abilities to this next important
stage in securing Fonterra's global relevance."
Mr Spurway has more than 20 years' experience in the food and dairy
industries. After managing the Northland Dairy Company's Dargaville site, he
moved to Australia in 1999 where he held various roles in Goodman Fielder
Australia. From 2008-2011 he led two food companies, before returning to New
Zealand to become Fonterra's South Island Regional Operations Manager. In
this role, Mr Spurway oversaw the greenfield development of the
Co-operative's Darfield site.
Mr Spurway will take up his new position on 1 August.
End CA:00251346 For:FSF Type:OFFICE Time:2014-06-09 12:24:44
