Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council appoints Stuart Griffin as Chair

AUSTRALIA – Westbury farmer Stuart Griffin has been elected Chair of the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council (FASC), reinforcing the Council’s commitment to representing farmers across Victoria and Tasmania and strengthening its partnership with Fonterra. 

Stuart brings deep industry experience and a strong connection to the farming community. His family has farmed in Gippsland for more than a century, and today he runs a 500-cow operation alongside wife Belinda and his parents.

Returning to FASC after a three-year break, having previously served as Councillor and Deputy Director, Stuart steps into the role at a pivotal time as Fonterra’s Australian operations separate from the Co-op. 

“I am very happy to be back as part of the Fonterra Australia Suppliers’ Council after three years,” Stuart said. 

“As we know, there is change on the way, and my role, supported by all Council members, is to ensure we have an informed and represented supplier base throughout the transition and beyond.” 

Stuart emphasised the Council’s collaborative approach to working with Fonterra, “The Suppliers’ Council is ready to work with all levels of management and suppliers to bring about positive outcomes for all involved, while still maintaining a focus on the needs of the current season.” 

Fonterra reshuffles leadership to advance strategic goals

In 2024, the company announced significant changes to its management team as part of its next strategic phase, aimed at driving value creation for its farmer shareholders and unit holders.

Mike Cronin, currently the Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs, will now focus exclusively on leading Fonterra’s potential divestment of its Consumer businesses. 

The divestment process, which could unlock significant value for Fonterra, is described by CEO Miles Hurrell as “one of the most important projects” the company has undertaken. 

Cronin has been with Fonterra since 2002, playing a central role in numerous strategic initiatives such as Trading Amongst Farmers, the Governance and Representation Review, and the Co-operative Difference. 

He has served as Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs since 2014 and will remain in Fonterra’s Management Team until the divestment process concludes.

Matt Bolger, a former Fonterra executive, will return to the Co-op in March 2025 to step into Cronin’s role as Managing Director of Co-operative Affairs. 

Bolger, who has previously held roles in global sales, capital strategy, and farmer services, left Fonterra in 2020 to become Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waikato Management School. 

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE