Fonterra names Richard Allen as new CEO

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has appointed Richard Allen as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Miles Hurrell.

According to Chair Peter McBride, Allen is an exceptional leader with a deep knowledge of Fonterra’s global operations and markets. His most recent role was President Global Ingredients, where he was responsible for Fonterra’s Ingredients sales, optimisation, risk management, trading and global manufacturing.

“The Board is really pleased to announce Richard as Fonterra’s next CEO, who will lead the Co-op into the next phase of its strategic implementation,” McBride said. 

“He joined Fonterra as a graduate in 2008 and since then his career has spanned our global supply chain. He led our farmer facing business Farm Source for five years, has worked in China as Vice President of our Foodservice business, was the founding CEO of MyMilk, and more recently served as President Atlantic based in Chicago, responsible for relationships with a number of our global key accounts.”

Allen said he is incredibly humbled to be appointed CEO and feels great pride to be leading the Co-op.

“I’ve built my career with Fonterra and understand the important role the Co-op plays both for farmers here in New Zealand and our customers around the world.

“I’m committed to maintaining the momentum in our performance, focused delivery of strategy and financial discipline that has been developed over recent years.

“Fonterra has a strong platform to build from and I’m excited by our prospects as we move forward as a New Zealand farmer owned global B2B dairy provider,” Allen said.

Allen will commence his role as CEO on 1 May 2026. Hurrell will stay with Fonterra in an advisory role until September 2026 to assist with the leadership transition.

“Miles has worked well with the Board to develop leadership talent and plan succession, which has allowed us to run an efficient appointment process for Fonterra’s next CEO,” McBride said.