Ex-Fonterra head ‘a champion guy’
Former Fonterra chairman John Wilson has died after an undisclosed illness. He was 54.
Wilson became a director of New Zealand’s largest company in 2003 and chairman in 2012 when he replaced Sir Henry van der Heyden. He stood down in July last year after what was described as a ‘‘health scare’’.
After surgery he told farmers he had made a very good recovery and was well but would need ongoing treatment.
‘‘Governance roles are incredibly rewarding, but equally demanding on the individual and their families. Continuing as chairman when I cannot put my full energy and attention into the role is not appropriate,’’ he said at the time.
Wilson’s successor as chairman, John Monaghan, said Wilson’s dedication and commitment to Fonterra ran deep.
‘‘Outside of his family life, he dedicated most of his time to farmers, Fonterra and farming.
‘‘John always brought dedication, commitment and deep dairy knowledge to each of the representation and governance roles in which he served. On behalf of his fellow farmers he was the ultimate advocate for what we stand for.
‘‘John was one of us – a dairy farmer through and through. He always looked ahead and focused on finding a way through the tough times that would protect Fonterra’s farmers, sharemilkers and their families. Bringing farmers solutions, not problems was always his mindset.’’
Former director Ian Farrelly said he was ‘‘a champion guy who loved and was so dedicated to his family and farming’’.
As well as living on a Te Awamutu dairy farm with his family, Wilson owned a large dairy business in Geraldine, South Canterbury.
Wilson’s association with the dairy giant goes back to its creation in 2001 when he was elected to the Shareholders’ Council, the body that represents farmers. His tenure as director and chairman coincided with turbulent times at Fonterra. He oversaw large-scale capital spending as the co-operative had to deal with a flood of milk as the industry boomed.
He had to manage rollercoaster global milk prices, increasing competition from other dairy companies, food safety scares, dubious foreign investments and environmental issues. As the head of a co-op, he had to placate 10,000 sometimes grumpy farmer owners.
Wilson is survived by his wife Belinda and four daughters, Sophie, Victoria and twins Tessa and Libby.