Fonterra Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fonterra has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, information systems, financial strategy, and technical capability.

Focused on global dairy innovation, Fonterra maintains a commitment to excellence in dairy science and export efficiency while driving sustainable growth across international markets.

Leadership Roles at Fonterra

  • Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs - Carrie Hendriks
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients - Ronald Kumar
  • Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice - Brendon Connolly
  • Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra - Akshay Aggarwal
  • Chief Operating Officer - Anna Palairet
  • General Manager, Technical Capability & Chief Operating Officer - Sapumal Thibbotuwawa
  • Director, Commercial & Chief Operating Officer (Nz Operations) - Bhavesh Morar
  • Technical To The Associate & Chief Operating Officer - Richard Todd
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott Pyles
  • Chief Information Officer - Toby Granwal
  • Carrie Hendriks - Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs

    Carrie Hendriks, the Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs at Fonterra, manages the financial integrity and governance of the cooperative structure. Hendriks oversees the allocation of capital and the reporting of financial performance to stakeholders. By ensuring compliance with international financial regulations, the Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs maintains the fiscal stability necessary for long-term investment in dairy innovation. Carrie Hendriks coordinates with the board to align financial strategies with the cooperative's mission of maximizing value for members. This role involves managing complex budgetary processes and evaluating the financial viability of new market opportunities. Through rigorous financial analysis and risk management, Hendriks supports the sustainable growth of the organization. The Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs drives transparency and accountability, ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively to support the global dairy export business.

    Ronald Kumar - Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients

    Ronald Kumar, the Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients at Fonterra, manages the financial strategy for the ingredients division, which serves as a cornerstone of the global dairy export business. Kumar oversees revenue forecasting, cost management, and investment analysis for international ingredient markets. By providing financial oversight for the ingredients portfolio, the Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients ensures that pricing strategies remain competitive and profitable. Ronald Kumar collaborates with regional sales teams to identify growth opportunities and mitigate financial risks in volatile global markets. This role involves managing the financial health of the ingredients supply chain and ensuring that capital is allocated to high-growth segments. Through precise financial modeling and performance tracking, Kumar supports the strategic objectives of the organization. The Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients drives financial discipline and operational efficiency, ensuring that the ingredients division contributes significantly to the overall success of the cooperative.

    Brendon Connolly - Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice

    Brendon Connolly, the Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice at Fonterra, directs the financial and commercial strategy for the consumer and foodservice divisions. Connolly oversees the profitability of product lines and manages the commercial relationships that drive market penetration. By analyzing consumer trends and market demand, the Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice ensures that financial resources support the most promising commercial initiatives. Brendon Connolly works with global teams to expand the footprint of dairy products in the foodservice sector. This leadership role involves balancing financial targets with the need for market innovation and brand growth. Through strategic financial planning and commercial oversight, Connolly ensures that the consumer and foodservice segments deliver consistent value. The Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice drives revenue growth and operational efficiency, securing the company's position as a leader in the global dairy market.

    Akshay Aggarwal - Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra

    Akshay Aggarwal, the Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra, manages the financial operations and strategic planning for the global foodservice division. Aggarwal oversees the financial performance of foodservice products and ensures that the division meets its growth targets. By analyzing market data and financial metrics, the Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra identifies opportunities for expansion and cost optimization. Akshay Aggarwal works with global teams to ensure that financial strategies support the delivery of high-quality dairy solutions to foodservice partners. This role involves managing the financial health of the foodservice segment and ensuring that capital is invested in initiatives that drive long-term value. Through rigorous financial analysis and performance management, Aggarwal supports the strategic objectives of the organization. The Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra drives financial discipline and operational efficiency, ensuring that the foodservice division remains a key contributor to the company's global success.

    Anna Palairet - Chief Operating Officer

    Anna Palairet, the Chief Operating Officer at Fonterra, manages the end-to-end supply chain and manufacturing excellence across the global dairy network. Palairet directs the integration of dairy science into daily production cycles to ensure product quality meets international standards. By optimizing logistics and processing efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of delivering high-value dairy products to diverse markets. Anna Palairet coordinates with the executive team to align operational output with market demand, ensuring consistent supply chain resilience. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale manufacturing facilities and implementing advanced processing technologies. Through rigorous oversight of production workflows, Palairet maintains the competitive edge of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste and enhance yield, ultimately securing the financial health of the cooperative through superior operational execution and strategic resource management.

    Sapumal Thibbotuwawa - General Manager, Technical Capability & Chief Operating Officer

    Sapumal Thibbotuwawa, the General Manager, Technical Capability & Chief Operating Officer at Fonterra, directs the technical standards and operational performance of the dairy processing units. Thibbotuwawa oversees the implementation of advanced manufacturing techniques that ensure product consistency and safety. By bridging the gap between technical research and operational execution, the General Manager, Technical Capability & Chief Operating Officer enhances the quality of dairy exports. Sapumal Thibbotuwawa manages the technical workforce and ensures that all facilities adhere to the highest global standards of dairy science. This leadership role involves optimizing production workflows to increase output while maintaining strict quality control. Through the application of specialized technical knowledge, Thibbotuwawa drives operational efficiency and supports the company's reputation for excellence. The General Manager, Technical Capability & Chief Operating Officer ensures that technical capabilities remain aligned with the evolving demands of the global market, fostering innovation in every aspect of the manufacturing process.

    Bhavesh Morar - Director, Commercial & Chief Operating Officer (Nz Operations)

    Bhavesh Morar, the Director, Commercial & Chief Operating Officer (Nz Operations) at Fonterra, manages the commercial and operational activities within the New Zealand market. Morar oversees the local manufacturing and distribution networks that form the foundation of the global export business. By integrating commercial strategy with operational execution, the Director, Commercial & Chief Operating Officer (Nz Operations) ensures that local production meets the high standards required for international markets. Bhavesh Morar coordinates with local teams to optimize supply chain efficiency and manage costs effectively. This role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of processing facilities and ensuring that commercial objectives are met through superior operational performance. Through the alignment of local operations with global goals, Morar drives the success of the New Zealand business unit. The Director, Commercial & Chief Operating Officer (Nz Operations) ensures that the organization maintains its competitive advantage by leveraging local expertise and operational excellence.

    Richard Todd - Technical To The Associate & Chief Operating Officer

    Richard Todd, the Technical To The Associate & Chief Operating Officer at Fonterra, directs the technical support and operational coordination required for complex dairy processing projects. Todd oversees the implementation of technical standards and ensures that operational teams have the necessary resources to maintain high-quality production. By providing technical guidance and operational oversight, the Technical To The Associate & Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Richard Todd collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve technical challenges and optimize production workflows. This leadership role involves managing the technical aspects of operational projects and ensuring that all activities align with the company's commitment to dairy science and innovation. Through the application of technical expertise, Todd drives operational improvements and supports the overall success of the organization. The Technical To The Associate & Chief Operating Officer ensures that technical and operational functions work in harmony to deliver superior dairy products to global markets.
    Richard Todd

    Scott Pyles - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott Pyles, the Chief Technology Officer at Fonterra, architects the digital transformation of dairy science and innovation platforms. Pyles oversees the development of proprietary technologies that enhance product formulation and manufacturing precision. By integrating advanced data analytics into the research and development pipeline, the Chief Technology Officer accelerates the speed to market for new dairy solutions. Scott Pyles collaborates with global research teams to ensure technological infrastructure supports the complex needs of a world-leading dairy exporter. This role involves managing the lifecycle of innovation projects, from initial concept to commercial application. Through the deployment of cutting-edge laboratory systems and automated processing tools, Pyles drives efficiency across the entire product development cycle. The Chief Technology Officer ensures that technological investments align with the long-term strategic goals of the cooperative, fostering a culture of continuous scientific advancement and operational excellence.

    Toby Granwal - Chief Information Officer

    Toby Granwal, the Chief Information Officer at Fonterra, directs the enterprise-wide digital strategy and information security frameworks. Granwal manages the complex data ecosystems required to support global dairy exports and supply chain transparency. By implementing robust cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects critical intellectual property and operational data. Toby Granwal works closely with other executive leaders to ensure that information systems provide actionable insights for market expansion and financial planning. This leadership role involves overseeing the digital transformation of internal processes to improve agility and decision-making speed. Through the modernization of legacy systems, Granwal enhances the connectivity between regional offices and the global headquarters. The Chief Information Officer drives the adoption of emerging digital tools that streamline communication and collaboration, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of the dairy industry through superior information management and technological integration.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fonterra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fonterra?
    Fonterra is led by Carrie Hendriks (Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs), along with executives such as Ronald Kumar (Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients) and Brendon Connolly (Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice).
    Who is part of Fonterra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fonterra includes leaders such as Carrie Hendriks (Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs), Ronald Kumar (Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients), Brendon Connolly (Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fonterra have?
    Fonterra has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fonterra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fonterra includes roles such as Head Chief Financial Officer, PC Office of The & Co-Operative Affairs, Global Chief Financial Officer, Markets Ingredients, Chief Financial Officer & Global Director, Commercial Markets Consumer Foodservice, Global Chief Financial Officer, Foodsevice At Fonterra, Chief Operating Officer.