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New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra Co-operative Group has announced that chief innovation and brand officer Komal Mistry-Mehta will leave the business in October 2026, bringing to a close a 15-year tenure with the co-operative.

Mistry-Mehta has played a central role in shaping Fonterra’s innovation, digital transformation and brand strategy, helping drive the company’s evolution amid changing global dairy and consumer trends.

Fonterra CEO Richard Allen praised her contribution, highlighting her leadership across innovation and technology initiatives.

“Komal has been central to driving Fonterra’s innovation, digital and brand agenda during her time as the Chief Innovation and Brand Officer,” Allen said.

“She has led the transformation of the Co-operative’s innovation and digital performance, established the Ki Tua Fund, and accelerated the application of advanced technologies across the business. She also previously led Fonterra’s active living business.”

Allen added that Mistry-Mehta’s leadership had helped create “a more connected innovation system” for the co-operative and thanked her for her contribution to the business.

During her time at Fonterra, Mistry-Mehta oversaw initiatives aimed at strengthening the company’s innovation capabilities and advancing digital integration across operations, while supporting the co-operative’s long-term sustainability strategy.

Reflecting on her departure, Mistry-Mehta said: “Fonterra plays a vital part in the New Zealand economy and nourishes the world through dairy nutrition, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of this mission."

She added: “It has been a privilege to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Co-operative, and I am proud of what the team has accomplished. I am excited to step into my next chapter of leadership impact, and I look forward to seeing Fonterra’s continued success over the coming years.”

Fonterra has not yet announced a successor for the role.