Fonterra’s chief executive Andrew Ferrier has signalled his intention to step down from the post in the second half of this year.The New Zealand dairy giant revealed yesterday that after eight years as CEO Ferrier wants to exit the business by the end of the year. However, the company said that he will remain in place until a successor is found. “It is possible that we will have identified a suitable candidate by the second half of this year but Andrew is committed to continuing in his... ...Read more »

Woolworths Ltd has once again played down speculation that its chief executive Michael Luscombe is preparing to stand down from his post.Reports have dogged Woolworths over the past month that Luscombe is looking to retire. In an interview at the beginning of February, Luscombe noted that “all of us will retire at some time”. The comment sparked speculation that the Woolworths MD and CEO will stand aside, particularly given the mounting pressure that the supermarket operator is coming... ...Read more »

Peter Kean, currently Managing Director of Lion Nathan National Foods’ New Zealand and Global Wine businesses, has been appointed Managing Director of food and beverage company National Foods, from 1 April 2011, replacing Andrew Reeves, who will leave the business to become CEO at ABF’s George Weston Foods. National Foods is one of Australasia’s largest FMCG companies, employing over 4,000 people and producing category-leading brands in milk and dairy beverages, juice, fresh dairy, cheese... ...Read more »

Bega Cheese has acquired a 15% stake in its rival, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter, with Bega Cheese executive chairman Barry Irvin joining the WCB board, and the two companies forming a strategic management group to “explore and evaluate opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation”. The $22.6 million placement – 6 million shares at $2.90 – is part of a total capital raising of $37 million, is accompanied by a one-for-six share offer to WCB shareholders, and the issue... ...Read more »

The managing director of dairy co-operative Murray Goulburn has announced his intention to quit, after over a decade in the role. Stephen O’Rourke will leave the business next July after 12 years as MD and 23 years as an employee. O’Rourke leaves at a troubling time for Murray Goulburn. Last week, it emerged that O’Rourke’s wife received over $300,000 for working with him while he was MD. It was also announced that local police would investigate allegations of improper payments... ...Read more »

Australia’s second-largest independent supermarket group, Foodworks, has appointed a new CEO to replace Peter Noble, architect of the company’s disastrous attempt to acquire 45 struggling Coles supermarkets. Rick Wright has now been acting CEO at Foodworks for a number of months, and was previously the company’s chief operating officer. “Rick has a strong background in finance, franchising and strategy management, which is perfect for our business model. His strong engagement... ...Read more »

Discount giant Aldi has named a new managing director for its business in Australia. The retailer, which runs 230 stores in Australia, has promoted buying MD Tom Daunt to head up its local operations in the country. Daunt replaces Michael Kloeters, who has been appointed to Aldi’s international supervisory board. “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in the past nine years,” Kloeters told The Australian. “We have changed the grocery retail landscape, introducing... ...Read more »

The Consumer Goods Forum has released their annual Top of Mind survey, revealing that economy and consumer demand still top the list of concerns for key decision makers in retail and consumer goods. The second spot was taken by corporate social responsibility, followed by the competitive landscape, with food and product safety dropping from second to fourth place from last year. Retail-supplier relations took fifth place overall, but differed in importance between manufacturers (second place) and... ...Read more »

The Chairman, CEO and CFO of UK-based confectioner Cadbury have all announced their intention to resign in the wake of Kraft’s successful takeover offer. The Board of Cadbury had been vehemently opposed to a Kraft deal up until a few weeks ago when a revised offer won their support and all three key managers wished the company well in the future. “It has been my great pleasure and privilege to chair Cadbury for the past two years, and I would like to thank Todd Stitzer, my fellow Board... ...Read more »

Heinz has appointed Bob Ostryniec to the newly created position of Chief Supply Chain Officer – which will see him “drive worldwide initiatives to leverage the Company’s global scale, reduce costs, improve gross margins and enhance productivity”. Mr Ostryniec joined Heinz in July, 2003 as Group Vice President, Supply Chain for Heinz North America. He was promoted to Chief Supply Chain Officer for Heinz North America in May, 2005. “Bob’s appointment reflects his... ...Read more »