Wednesday, 18 February 2026 09:55

Dedoncker Departs Fonterra After Mainland Group Sale

Written by Staff Reporters

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Rene Dedoncker

Fonterra executive René Dedoncker is leaving the co-operative later this year to lead Australian agribusiness Elders.

Dedoncker, managing director global markets consumer, joined Fonterra in 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time, including leading the Mainland Group business since March 2025.

The Mainland Group business has been sold to Lactalis.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell thanked Dedoncker for his significant contribution to Fonterra, particularly through the process to divest Mainland Group, where he has continued to provide strong leadership and drive performance as Fonterra prepared the business for sale.

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