Dairy giant Fonterra taps homegrown leader for top job

Monday, 13 April 2026

Fonterra has named a long-serving insider as its next chief executive, with Richard Allen set to take over from Miles Hurrell next month.

Chair Peter McBride announced the appointment on Monday, describing Allen as an “exceptional leader” with deep ties to farmer shareholders and customers.

“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.

“Richard is passionate about our co-operative,” McBride said.

Allen, who currently serves as President Global Ingredients, has spent nearly two decades rising through the co-op’s ranks since joining as a graduate in 2008. His career has included leading Farm Source for five years, a stint in China as Vice President of its Foodservice business, and roles across global supply chains and key international markets, including Chicago-based leadership of Atlantic operations.

McBride said Allen’s experience across sales, manufacturing, trading and farmer-facing operations made him well suited to steer the co-op through its next phase.

Allen said he was “incredibly humbled” to be appointed and proud to lead the farmer-owned business.

“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,” he said.

Allen will take up the role on May 1, with Hurrell remaining in an advisory position until September to support the transition.