Fonterra will expand its management team in early 2020, appointing Fraser Whineray to the newly created role of chief operating officer.
Whineray has had experience in the dairy industry, having started his career as a graduate of the New Zealand Diary Board’s technical training program, as well as working at Puhoi Valley Cheese, and holding a post graduate diploma in dairy science and technology from Massey University.
Whineray said he is looking forward to returning to the dairy sector and working alongside the Fonterra team.
“I am pleased to be able to continue in a role which contributes to New Zealand, and has strong, genuine relationships with many regional communities, Maori land trusts and local iwi across the country,” he said.
Since 2014, Whineray has been the CEO of energy company Mercury NZ, and held a number of leadership roles in the company since joining in 2008.
Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said Whineray is a results-orientated New Zealand business leader and will be a great addition to the management team.
“Fraser has demonstrated he can transform organisations to achieve growth in complex environments through a focus on innovation, customers and his team,” said Hurrell.
“He is motivated to contribute to New Zealand’s export success and to drive sustainability, innovation and efficiency in business – three strengths that we believe can create real value.”
The new appointment follows the release of Fonterra’s annual results in late September, in which the company reported strategic and structural changes to its business.
