Fonterra announces Mainland Group leadership change

Fonterra Co-operative Group has announced that René Dedoncker has resigned from his position as Managing Director Global Markets Consumer to take up a position outside of Fonterra.

Dedoncker has been with the Co-op since 2005 and has held several global leadership positions during that time, including leading its Mainland Group business since March 2025.  Prior to this role, he was a member of the Fonterra Management Team as Managing Director Global Consumer and Foodservice. He has also led Fonterra’s Australian business, including through its merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania, and has held global leadership roles within the Co-op’s Foodservice business.

With a 6-month notice period, Dedoncker has indicated his willingness to continue leading Mainland Group through the completion of the divestment transaction and transition to Lactalis ownership. The divestment is expected to be completed the first half of this year.

CEO Miles Hurrell thanked Dedoncker for his contribution to Fonterra, particularly through the process to divest Mainland Group.

Image credit: iStock.com/Rafa Jodar