John Stevenson: Leading Fonterra with Transparency and Integrity
Position
John Stevenson serves as the Council Chair of Fonterra, one of the world's largest dairy exporters.
Biography
John Stevenson's extensive career in the dairy industry is marked by his leadership role at Fonterra. His tenure is characterized by a strong focus on governance and financial strategy, which are crucial for ensuring the cooperative's transparency and reliability in milk pricing. His expertise in financial oversight has been fundamental in maintaining Fonterra's reputation for fairness and integrity.
Current Place of Work
Fonterra, headquartered in New Zealand, is a significant entity in the global dairy market, exporting products to over 130 countries. Under Stevenson's leadership, Fonterra continues to be a dominant force in international trade.
Important Events and Initiatives
- Milk Price Manual Revision (2021): Stevenson spearheaded a comprehensive revision of the Milk Price Manual to adapt to market changes and ensure that pricing methodologies reflect global economic conditions.
- Implementation of Enhanced Transparency Measures (2022): To bolster credibility, Stevenson introduced new transparency measures, improving communication with cooperative shareholders and clarifying milk price calculations.
- Annual Stakeholder Meetings: A proponent of open dialogue, Stevenson organizes annual meetings to bridge the communication gap between Fonterra's management and its stakeholders, fostering an inclusive decision-making environment.
John Stevenson's leadership is also focused on addressing a decline in Fonterra's milk collection share, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming market challenges. His affirmation of an independent $3 billion valuation of Fonterra's consumer sector underscores his dedication to the cooperative's sustainable growth and operational efficiency. He describes the $3.8 billion proposal for a sale to Lactalis as strong, while acknowledging the need for farmer approval, and is actively involved in related discussions.
Modified: 2025/09/24