Jan 28, 2019
John Wilson
Fonterra and its farmers are mourning the loss of their former Chairman John Wilson, who passed away this morning after
a hard-fought battle with illness.
Mr Wilson is survived by his wife Belinda and four daughters, Sophie, Victoria and twins Tessa and Libby.
In July last year, John Wilson announced his intention to step down from the role of Chairman to focus on his health. He
then retired from the Co-operative’s Board at its Annual Meeting last November.
In a note to the Co-operative’s farmer-owners earlier today, Fonterra Chairman John Monaghan said Wilson was a man whose
dedication and commitment to the Co-operative ran deep.
“We owe John and his family a debt of gratitude for all the time, energy and sheer hard graft he gave us as a
farmer-owner, inaugural Chairman of the Fonterra Shareholder’s Council on merger, as a Farmer Elected Director from
2003, and as our Chairman from 2012.
“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.
“We have lost a friend, colleague, leader and champion for our industry much too soon. Our thoughts and deep gratitude
for all that he contributed go to his family and friends,” said Mr Monaghan.
About John Wilson 2003 – 2018 Director, Fonterra. Chairman, 2012 - 2018.
2012 – 2018 Director, Turners and Growers Ltd 2012 – 2019 Director, Rangitata South Irrigation Ltd 2012 – 2019 Director of Hugh Green Group of Companies 2002 – 2012 Chairman, Milktest NZ 2001 Chairman, Fonterra Shareholders’ Council 2000 Co-operative Leadership Programme, University of Missouri 2000 Nuffield Scholarship recipient 1999 – 2019 Member New Zealand Institute of Directors 1983 – 1986 Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Massey University
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