Meet the board

Mike is a specialist in the export of food and beverages, beginning his career as a winemaker and working in the primary sector ever since.

An advocate for collaborative activity, Mike has chaired the boards of Zeffer Cider and Pure NZ, and has been a director of several industry organisations.

Nicola brings extensive multi-sector experience to the board. She serves on the Executive Committee and Board of the International Food & Agribusiness Association and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre.

She was an elected member of the Fonterra Board for nine years, served as a Climate Change Commissioner for three years and is Professor of Farm and Agribusiness Management at Massey University. She was made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to agribusiness in 2018.

Simon leads teams responsible for Fonterra’s global trade strategy, its corporate sustainability and environmental partnerships programmes, the company’s relationships with New Zealand and foreign governments, and Fonterra’s industry partners.

He has spent over twelve years in the New Zealand dairy industry including in leadership roles at DairyNZ, the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand and with Fonterra Co-operative Group’s US-based business and at its head office in Auckland.

Simon has held a number of governance and advisory roles, including in the areas of economic development, trade, resource management and education.

Being the Independent Chair of The Independent Optometry Group, brings unique strengths in strategic thinking, building sustainable businesses, business models and culture development.

Dan’s strong FMCG perspective and background and his ability to use data and feedback to strengthen relationships will be invaluable to creating future value for our members.

Bridget joined the Board in August 2025.

Currently Head of Government Relations at Foodstuffs New Zealand, Bridget has a wealth of experience in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and cooperative leadership, having previously held senior roles with Fonterra and in Parliament.

Her appointment ensures strong representation from the retail cooperative sector and adds valuable expertise in government relations and advocacy.

As winner of the Cooperative Business NZ’s Emerging Leader of the Year award in 2024, Ashleigh joins the board as an observer for 2025.

She brings experience as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Southern Cross, and building inclusive workplaces.