Former Fonterra CEO to chair NZTE Board

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Trade Minister Tim Groser today announced the appointment of Andrew Ferrier to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board.

Mr Ferrier has been appointed as Chair, for a three-year term commencing November 2012. He is the former Chief Executive of Fonterra, and has held a number of director and executive positions for large multi-nationals.

“Mr Ferrier has a wealth of experience in international business, and brings strong governance and strategic capability to the NZTE Board. He is well placed to take up the role of Chair for the Board,” Mr Joyce says.

Mr Joyce and Mr Groser also announced the reappointment of businesswoman Julie Christie, consultant Charles Finny and Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Peter Townsend for a second, three-year term.

“Julie Christie, Charles Finny and Peter Townsend have considerable expertise in exporting and international trade, and will continue to make excellent contributions to the work of NZTE,” Mr Groser says.

The Ministers thanked outgoing Chair Jon Mayson for his valuable contribution to the operation of NZTE and for steering it through a period of significant change.

Biography for Andrew Ferrier

Andrew Ferrier has almost 30 years’ experience in international business, with a background in building global, performance-driven businesses.

In September 2011 Mr Ferrier stepped down as Chief Executive of Fonterra after eight years. Prior to joining Fonterra he was President and Chief Executive Officer of GSW Inc. and spent 16 years in the sugar industry working in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Mexico. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tate & Lyle North America Sugars Inc.

Mr Ferrier is a director of Orion Health Ltd and CANZ Capital Ltd. He was appointed to the University of Auckland Council in March 2012. Born in Canada, he has been a New Zealand citizen since 2008.