Fonterra Co-operative Group has appointed Richard Allen as its next CEO, succeeding Miles Hurrell, as the dairy major moves into the next phase of its strategic reset.
Allen, currently president of Fonterra’s global ingredients division, will take up the role from 1 May 2026. Hurrell will remain with the business in an advisory capacity through to September to support the transition.
Chair, Peter McBride, said the appointment followed a planned succession process and reflected the co-operative’s focus on continuity in strategy and performance.
“Richard is an exceptional leader with a strong connection to our farmer shareholders and customers, and a deep understanding of our global operations,” McBride said.
Allen joined Fonterra as a graduate in 2008 and has held senior roles across the co-operative’s global supply chain. His experience includes leading the Farm Source farmer services business, serving as vice president of foodservice in China, acting as founding CEO of MyMilk, and most recently overseeing global ingredients sales, manufacturing, optimisation and trading.
He has also held responsibility for key international accounts as president Atlantic, based in Chicago.
Allen said he would maintain the co-operative’s recent momentum on performance and financial discipline.
“I’ve built my career with Fonterra and understand the important role the co-operative plays for farmers in New Zealand and customers globally,” Allen said.
“I’m committed to focused delivery of strategy and building on the strong platform already in place.”
The leadership transition comes after Hurrell’s eight-year tenure as CEO, during which Fonterra undertook a significant strategic reset to refocus on its core ingredients and foodservice businesses, improve balance sheet discipline, and rebuild farmer confidence.
McBride said the board had worked closely with Hurrell on leadership development and succession planning, enabling an efficient appointment process for the incoming CEO.
