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Fonterra Co-operative Group has appointed Richard Allen as its next chief executive officer, succeeding Miles Hurrell, who announced last month that he would step down.

Allen will take up the role on 1 May 2026. Hurrell will remain with the co-operative in an advisory capacity until September 2026 to support the leadership transition.

Chair Peter McBride said Allen brings experience across Fonterra’s global operations and a strong connection with farmer shareholders and customers. He currently serves as president of global ingredients, overseeing ingredients sales, optimisation, risk management, trading and global manufacturing.

Allen joined Fonterra in 2008 as a graduate and has held a range of roles across the business, including leading the Farm Source division, serving as vice president of its foodservice business in China, acting as founding CEO of MyMilk and, more recently, president Atlantic, based in Chicago, where he managed relationships with key global accounts.

Allen said he is “incredibly humbled” to be appointed CEO and is committed to maintaining the co-operative’s performance, strategic delivery and financial discipline.

McBride added that Hurrell worked with the board on leadership development and succession planning, enabling an efficient appointment process.