Highlights

  • Fonterra has appointed Jonathan Mason as an Independent Director, effective 1 October 2026.
  • Mason will chair the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and join the Milk Price Panel as a Fonterra-appointed director.
  • Long-serving director Bruce Hassall will retire after completing his nine-year term on the Board.

Overview

Fonterra Co-operative Group (NZX:FCG) has announced the appointment of Jonathan Mason as an Independent Director, effective 1 October 2026, strengthening its governance with an experienced finance and business leader. Mason will chair the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and join the Milk Price Panel, bringing more than three decades of leadership across the dairy, energy, chemicals, and forestry sectors. The appointment comes as long-serving Independent Director Bruce Hassall prepares to retire after nine years of service, marking an important transition for the co-operative's Board.

Who Is Jonathan Mason and Why Has Fonterra Appointed Him?

Jonathan Mason brings more than 30 years of commercial leadership and governance experience across New Zealand and international markets. A former Chief Financial Officer of Fonterra, he has also held senior finance roles at global companies and currently serves as Chair of the NZUS Council and Dilworth School, while sitting on the boards of Zespri International and the University of Auckland. Fonterra believes his extensive financial expertise and understanding of the co-operative model will provide immediate value to the Board.

What Does Bruce Hassall's Retirement Mean for Fonterra?

Jonathan Mason will succeed Bruce Hassall, who is retiring after completing his nine-year term as an Independent Director. During his tenure, Hassall played a key role in Fonterra's strategic transformation, overseeing financial governance and contributing to several Board committees, including the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and the Milk Price Panel. Fonterra Chairman Peter McBride thanked Hassall for his leadership, financial expertise, and significant contribution to the co-operative's turnaround and strategic reset.