Fonterra Co-operative Group has advised that René Dedoncker has resigned from his position as managing director global markets consumer to take up a role outside the company.
Fonterra has announced Mainland Group leadership changes as managing director global markets consumer René Dedoncker has resigned from his position.
Dedoncker has been with the co-operative since 2005 and has held several leadership roles during that time, including leading the Mainland Group business since March 2025.
Prior to this role, Dedoncker was a member of the Fonterra management team as managing director global consumer and foodservice.
He has also led Fonterra’s Australian business, including its merger with Fonterra Brands New Zealand to form Fonterra Oceania, and has held global leadership roles within the foodservice business.
Dedoncker has a six month notice period and has indicated he is willing to continue leading Mainland Group through completion of the divestment transaction and transition to Lactalis ownership.
Chief executive officer Miles Hurrell thanked Dedoncker for his contribution to Fonterra, particularly during the process to divest Mainland Group, where he continued to provide leadership as the business prepared for sale.
Fonterra Co-operative Group is a New Zealand-based multinational dairy company. Owned by approximately 10,000 New Zealand farmers, it processes and markets dairy ingredients, food service products, and consumer brands