Embattled dairy giant Fonterra has appointed Miles Hurrell as interim CEO with immediate effect; Theo Spierings will leave at the end of the month

By David Hargreaves

Embattled dairy co-operative Fonterra announced on Wednesday that long-time employee Miles Hurrell would be stepping up to interim CEO with immediate effect.

The global search that's been going on for a replacement for the stepping-down Theo Spierings has for now been halted while the co-op "takes stock" of where it is and what changes it needs to make. Spierings will leave Fonterra at the end of the month.

The latest announcement follows last week's revelation from Fonterra that it was slashing its dividend this year. In response to that announcement the Fonterra Shareholders' Council that speaks for farmer shareholders expressed its "absolute disappointment", saying the situation was "unacceptable" and calling for a definitive plan of action from Fonterra. 

Chairman John Monaghan - himself fresh in the role after John Wilson stood down due to illness - said of the decision to halt the CEO search for the moment that it was "important that we give ourselves the time to take stock of where we are as a Co-operative, breathe some fresh air into the business, then determine any changes that are needed".

Spierings, who was paid $8.3 million by Fonterra last year, has been with the co-op for eight years. He announced his departure in March  on the same day the co-op announced it was taking a $405 million writedown on its disastrous 18.8% investment in Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co, acquired in 2015 for NZ$756 million. Beingmate made a loss this year of about NZ$208 million. The Beingmate investment was led by and championed by Spierings who termed it a "game-changer".

No departure date was given at the time for Spierings, with Fonterra saying it would not be till after a new CEO was appointed. However, the confirmation last week by Fonterra that it's had a bad financial year (ending in July) has seemingly prompted the board to act now. Fonterra's result will be announced on September 13.

Monaghan said the board and Spierings "had agreed it was the right time for him to step down as CEO". Spierings would work alongside Hurrell to ensure a smooth transition of leadership through to September 1.

“Theo has led our co-operative through a period of great change and some real challenges. We will recognise his contribution over the past eight years and farewell him as a co-operative when he leaves the business," Monaghan said.

Christchurch-born (in 1974) Hurrell has since 2016 been styled as chief operating officer - farm source. Fonterra says this has involved leading Fonterra’s global co-operative farming strategy which includes farmer services, engagement, milk sourcing and the chain of 70 Farm Source™ rural retail stores throughout New Zealand.

This is the announcement from Fonterra:

Fonterra Co-operative Group (FCG) has announced that Miles Hurrell will take over as the Co-operative’s interim Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Mr Hurrell is currently the Co-operative’s Chief Operating Officer, Farm Source – the unit responsible for working directly with the Co-operative’s farmer-owners. In that role, he is responsible for Fonterra’s global Co-operative farming strategy that includes farmer services and engagement, milk sourcing and the chain of 70 Farm Source™ rural retail stores throughout New Zealand.

Mr Hurrell first joined Fonterra in the year 2000. His 18 years’ experience in the dairy industry has spanned four continents, including roles in Europe, the United States, Middle East, Africa and Russia. 

Fonterra Chairman John Monaghan says the Co-operative’s Board is clear that it is not best practice to have the Chairman and CEO stand down at the same time, but events have overtaken that decision.

“I have agreed with the Board that we will stop the global CEO search while we review the Co-operative’s current portfolio and direction.

“It’s important that we give ourselves the time to take stock of where we are as a Co-operative, breathe some fresh air into the business, then determine any changes that are needed.

“Appointing a new CEO is the most critical decision a Board will make. We will take all the time we need to find the right person.

“In the meantime, we need a new leader that can hit the ground running. Miles has great mana. He has a deep understanding of our business and has demonstrated his ability to manage large, complex business units in most of our global markets. Miles is well-respected both within our Co-operative and by our key global customers and wider stakeholders.

“Our CEO role requires intellect, energy and commitment. Miles brings that in spades.”

Mr Hurrell said he was excited by the challenge and as a proud New Zealander understood the responsibility that comes with the role.

“I’ve been part of the Co-operative for 18 years and understand that its true potential really comes down to its people.

“Theo leaves behind a talented leadership team that includes some of the best minds in global dairy. I’ve been privileged to be part of that group for the last four years and I’m totally confident that, by working as a team, we can deliver on the expectations New Zealand has of us.

“As a group, we haven’t always got everything right. Those lessons will be invaluable as we face up to challenges that are in front of us.

“We are already a number of weeks into our new financial year, so I’m keen to get straight into it and ensure the business lives up to the commitments it has made to our farmers and unitholders for the year ahead.”

Mr Monaghan said the Board and Mr Spierings had agreed it was the right time for him to step down as CEO. Mr Spierings would work alongside Mr Hurrell to ensure a smooth transition of leadership through to 1 September 2018.

“Theo has led our Co-operative through a period of great change and some real challenges. We will recognise his contribution over the past 8 years and farewell him as a Co-operative when he leaves the business.

“For now, it’s important that we all get in behind Miles. He’s got a big job to do on behalf of our farmers, unit holders and wider stakeholders. The Board has full confidence in him.”