Long-serving Fonterra director Jim van der Poel will leave the dairy co-operative’s board in November, after 12 years of service.
«Jim has served as a great ambassador for Fonterra and our farmers both here in New Zealand and our markets around the world,» chairman John Wilson said.
Van der Poel, who has farming interests in Waikato, Canterbury and the United States, was a New Zealand Dairy Group director for several years before Fonterra’s formation, and was elected to the Fonterra Board in 2002.
He said his time on the Fonterra board had been demanding and enjoyable.
«As I step aside from a role that I have found personally and professionally rewarding, I would like to see more of our farmers getting involved in governance early in their careers. In this way they can gain the skills required for strong governance, and be ready to serve on Fonterra’s board.
«That is why I am announcing my retirement now, so others might be encouraged to step up to the plate in this year’s elections, or in subsequent years,» van der Poel said.
Source: Stuff