Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell Resigns After 8 Years

Miles Hurrell, the chief executive officer of New Zealand's largest dairy company, Fonterra Cooperative Group, resigned on Monday after eight years in the role and a 25-year career with the organization.

Hurrell, who took the helm in 2018, will serve a six-month notice period to ensure a smooth leadership transition, according to company officials. The board has initiated a search for his successor and anticipates naming a new CEO within the coming months. During his tenure, Hurrell guided Fonterra through a strategic overhaul that emphasized the cooperative's core strengths in New Zealand's pasture-based milk production, sustainability initiatives, and development of higher-value dairy ingredients.

Appointed amid challenges to the company's financial performance and farmer relations, Hurrell focused on restoring stability and trust among the roughly 10,000 farmer shareholders who own Fonterra. His efforts included streamlining operations and prioritizing long-term value creation for these stakeholders. Prior to becoming CEO, Hurrell held key positions within the company, such as chief operating officer of Farm Source, its farmer-facing business unit, and general manager for...