Battle for milk
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not keen on giving any ground to its competitors in the country.
Bles has held leadership roles in the international dairy farming industry for more than 30 years, in dairy cattle, genetics and dairy development. He has also established his own businesses, Bles Dairies Livestock BV; Bles Dairies Genetics / Eurostar Genes; and dairy development company The Friesian.
He also holds an advisory position with Semex Global and is a board member for the Dutch Cattle Association.
Bles' appointment starts on April 14, for an initial six month period, with a global search underway for a permanent appointment.
This follows Fonterra's decision that the large scale farming operations of International Farming Ventures will become a standalone unit with full financial and operational accountability, reporting to the chief executive, Theo Spierings.
