Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell is introducing a new “customer led operating model” as part of the co-op’s new strategy.
The co-op is moving from two large central businesses (ingredients, and consumer and foodservice) to three in-market customer facing sales and marketing business units: Asia Pacific (APAC), Greater China (GC), and Africa, Middle East, Europe, North Asia, Americas (AMENA).
Judith Swales will head the APAC business and Kelvin Wickham AMENA. Marc Rivers will remain chief financial officer, Deborah Capill managing director people and Mark Cronin managing director cooperative affairs.
The chief operating office global operations, Rob Spurway, will leave the co-op.
Hurrell is also creating a new management role of chief operating officer. Recruitment is underway for the China chief executive officer and chief operating officer roles.
Hurrell say Fonterra needs an organisational structure that “allows us to live within our means, create better connections with our customers, and create value by focusing on what we are good at and where we can differentiate ourselves.
“The structure encourages us to work together as one team.
“We are also looking at ways to prioritise activities and increase efficiency for our central support functions, ensuring they add direct value to our co-op.”
Hurrell says Spurway will leave Fonterra after an eight-year stint.
“He has been a huge contributor to the ongoing strength and performance of our NZMP Ingredients business and has set the platform for continued success through innovative technologies, a team of highly capable people and significant progress on sustainability across our manufacturing operations -- all central to our strategy.”
Over the next few months, Spurway will help transition global operations to the new operating model and will work with the Greater China leadership team to implement a new Greater China regional go-to-market model.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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