Ferrier takes over reins at NZ Trade and Enterprise

Former Fonterra head Andrew Ferrier has been appointed chairman of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. He assumes the role in November. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The Government has appointed Andrew Ferrier, the former chief executive of Fonterra Co-operative Group, to chair the board of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

The Canadian executive first came to New Zealand in 2002 from a career in the global sugar industry, and led Fonterra through a formative decade before stepping down for newly appointed Dutch chief executive Theo Spierings.

Ferrier became a New Zealand citizen in 2008. He will be taking up the three-year term at NZTE, starting in November, replacing the incumbent, Jon Mayson.

"Mr Ferrier has a wealth of experience in international business, and brings strong governance and strategic capability to the NZTE Board.

"He is well placed to take up the role of chair for the board," said Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.

Reality television producer Julie Christie, Wellington lobbyist and former trade diplomacy expert Charles Finny, and Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend have been reappointed to the NZTE board for second terms.

Ferrier is also a director of Orion Health and CANZ Capital.

He was appointed to the University of Auckland Council in March.