Fonterra chairman John Wilson has stepped down as chairman with immediate effect, citing the need to recover from a recent health scare.
He will remain a director until the dairy co-op’s annual meeting in November and then retire from the board.
In a statement, Fonterra said Mr Wilson had undergone significant surgery in the last month and required continued treatment.
Mr Wilson told farmers this morning the decision was difficult but was in the best interests of the co-op.
“I have made a very good recovery and am well but will need more treatment.
“It has been a privilege to serve you as chairman and give something back to this great co-operative that continues to give my family and me so much.
“As many of you will know from experience, governance roles are incredibly rewarding but equally demanding on the individual and their families.
“Continuing as chairman when I cannot put my full energy and attention into the role is not appropriate.”
John Monaghan, a Fonterra director since 2008, will take Mr Wilson’s place as chairman.
Fonterra said Mr Monaghan had been closely involved in the process to select a new chief executive to replace Theo Spierings and would now “lead the advancement of this appointment with the full involvement of the board.”
Mr Monaghan has farming interests in the Wairarapa and Otago.
Responding to the news Dairy NZ chair Jim van der Poel, a Fonterra director from 2002 to 2014, said the industry organisation was saddened to hear of Mr Wilson’s health challenge and resignation.
“The dairy sector and Fonterra has benefited from John’s inspirational leadership skills for over 20 years. At a relatively young age, when others might focus solely on their farming business, John chose to devote a significant amount of time to key leadership roles, firstly as Chair of the Fonterra Shareholders’ Council, then as a director of Fonterra and ultimately as Chair since 2012”.
“As an elected farmer director, John’s understanding of the Fonterra business and the market environment in which it operates is second to none. His passion and dedication to the sector, however, goes much further than Fonterra.
“John has always been an active participant in industry-good initiatives, including more recently the new Dairy Tomorrow strategy and also the Mycoplasma bovis challenge we are currently grappling with. John has always made time for these important issues and DairyNZ would like to thank him for his commitment and leadership contributions.
“DairyNZ looks forward to working with John Monaghan, who we welcome to the role, but today is about honouring John Wilson’s tremendous contributions.
“We wish John a speedy recovery and extend our warmest support to Belinda, their four girls and his wider family – all of whom have supported John so well in his career thus far.”
