Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has announced that Richard Allen will serve as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Miles Hurrell. The appointment, confirmed by the Board of Directors, marks a new phase in the cooperative’s strategic implementation as it transitions toward a more focused global B2B dairy model.
Allen is scheduled to step into the role on May 1, 2026. To ensure an orderly leadership transition, Miles Hurrell will remain with Fonterra in an advisory capacity until September 2026.
Background and Global Experience
Richard Allen’s appointment follows a tenure within Fonterra that began in 2008. His career trajectory has covered multiple critical functions across the global supply chain, providing him with direct experience in both farmer-facing operations and international B2B sales.
Most recently, Allen served as President of Global Ingredients. In this capacity, he was responsible for:
Managing Fonterra’s global ingredients sales and optimisation.
Overseeing risk management and trading operations.
Coordinating global manufacturing and supply chain logistics.
His previous leadership roles include serving as the President of Atlantic, based in Chicago, where he managed relationships with global key accounts, and a five-year stint leading the farmer-facing business, Farm Source. Additionally, Allen’s experience in the Asian market includes a role as Vice President of the Foodservice business in China.
Leadership Continuity and Strategic Focus
The Board highlighted that the selection of an internal candidate allows for a seamless transition as Fonterra continues to execute its long-term strategy. Peter McBride, Chair of Fonterra, stated that Allen’s deep knowledge of global operations and markets will be pivotal as the cooperative moves into its next implementation phase.
Under the new leadership, Fonterra is expected to maintain its focus on financial discipline and operational performance. Allen indicated his commitment to the momentum established in recent years, specifically emphasising the cooperative's role as a New Zealand farmer-owned global B2B dairy provider.
Transition Management and Succession Planning
The appointment is the result of a planned succession process coordinated between the Board and outgoing CEO Miles Hurrell. McBride credited Hurrell for his work in developing leadership talent within the organisation, which facilitated an efficient recruitment process for the next Chief Executive.
By retaining Hurrell in an advisory role through September 2026, Fonterra aims to stabilise shareholder confidence and maintain continuity across its global B2B contracts and farmer-owner relationships during the handover.
Market Outlook for Fonterra
As the global dairy industry faces evolving regulatory landscapes and shifting consumer demand for sustainable B2B ingredients, Allen’s background in global ingredients and risk management is positioned as a core asset. The industry will be watching for potential adjustments to the cooperative's asset portfolio and investment strategy as Allen takes full operational control in mid-2026.
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