It has been reported that Mr. Theo Spierings has been appointed as Fonterra’s new Chief Executive (CEO). Fonterra is the New Zealand's largest dairy company. While welcoming Mr. Spierings, Mr. Couper also acknowledged contribution made by the outgoing CEO Andrew Ferrier in the company.

On Thursday, July 14, 2011, Council Chair Simon Couper welcomed Mr. Spierings by saying, “His expertise and recognition amongst his peers for his leadership, delivery of results and strategic skills should bring a raft of tangible benefits to the table as we move into our second decade”. Sprierings has worked as a former head of the Dutch farmer dairy cooperative, Royal Friesland. In 2008, Royal Friesland was merged with Campina.

The 46-years-old, Spierings have three kids who live in Netherland. In Netherland, he owes an advisory firm focusing on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions in the consumer goods sector. He is a well qualified man and holds an MBA degree.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Fonterra’s shareholders have proposed to invest in the secondary markets. They are of the opinion that the secondary markets will provide greater exposure to the company. It has been told that Spierings will be taking decisions as CEO from September.