Fonterra has announced that former employee Matt Bolger will return to the co-op as Managing Director Cooperative Affairs from March 2025.
Mike Cronin, who is currently in the Managing Director Cooperative Affairs role, will step aside and dedicate his focus to lead the potential consumer divestment process project full time.
Miles Hurrell, CEO of Fonterra, said Cronin will remain a key member of the Fonterra management team but will dedicate his time to the potential divestment.
“…exploring options for the potential divestment of our consumer businesses is one of the most important projects Fonterra has undertaken and has the potential to unlock significant value for our farmer shareholders and unit holders.
“Mike is a highly respected leader and industry figure, holding the Managing Director Co-operative Affairs role since 2014. I personally value his trusted advice and strategic leadership. He will remain with the Co-op until the potential divestment process is concluded.”
Bulger spent over 18 years with Fonterra in a variety of roles including General Manager Capital Strategy and Director of Farmer Services, as well as time leading global sales teams offshore, before stepping into his current position as Pro Vice-Chancellor of The University of Waikato Management School in 2020.
“As Managing Director Co-operative Affairs, Matt will be responsible for functions including Farm Source, Global Stakeholder Affairs and Trade, Governance, Risk and Audit, Corporate Communications, Legal and Māori Strategy.
“As we implement our revised strategy, Matt’s knowledge of the Co-op’s farmers, stakeholder relations experience and commercial acumen will serve him well,” said Hurrell.
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