Global Dairy Platform appoints Theo Spierings as new chairman

Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings has been appointed chairman of industry body Global Dairy Platform (GDP), effective 16 November.

Spierings, who has been a director on the GDP Board since 2012, will succeed Dairy Farmers of America CEO Rick Smith, who has chaired the organisation since 2015.

Smith will continue to serve on the board along with Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh and Royal FrieslandCampina CEO Roelof Joosten.

Spierings claimed that more than ever before people are turning to dairy for nutritional security and sustainable food.

“We also recognise that the world will have more than 2 billion more mouths to feed by 2050,” he said. “With food demand expected to increase by at least 50% in 2050, the challenge is how best to apply the goodness of dairy to the places and people that need it the most.

“Along with the role dairy plays in everyday nutrition, there is a real opportunity to work together and look at new ways we can make the nutritional benefits of dairy more available for those facing poverty and hunger and those fighting obesity.

“Through the Global Dairy Platform, we will continue to push forward with a global effort to make the goodness of dairy contribute more by providing better nutrition, empowering our communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.

“We have made good progress since GDP was formed 11 years ago. At the same time if we are to make a real difference in a world where the pace of change is picking up, we need to be getting better every day and this will take real conviction and belief.”

Outgoing chairman Smith added: “Over the last two years, GDP has provided strong leadership and strategic thinking to increase the credibility and visibility of the dairy sector in the international community, particularly within the United Nations. We have built a solid foundation to grow on.”