Sir Ralph is soon to retire after six years as chief executive of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Prior to this, he led the turnaround of Air New Zealand and earlier in his career headed ASB Bank.

"Sir Ralph is an outstanding New Zealander with a superb international track record at the highest levels of business," said Sir Henry.

"Due to other commitments, he is not able to become a Director until May 2012. We have asked John Ballard - who was due to retire at today's Annual Meeting to remain a Director for another six months, and he has agreed to do so."

Because Sir Ralph will be appointed during 2012, his appointment will be put to shareholders for ratification at next year's Annual Meeting.

Following the announcement of Sir Henry van der Heyden’s retirement, Federated Farmers is praising Sir Henry’s contribution to the New Zealand Dairy Industry.

“Sir Henry van der Heyden, from the very first day, has been instrumental in creating a forward thinking and world-beating company,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

“The simple fact is that Sir Henry has moulded New Zealand’s largest company that remains cooperatively Kiwi owned. He is not only a great farmer; he is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished business brains.

“Sir Henry’s easy going and accessible nature is matched with a genuine love of dairy farming and a passion for Fonterra. We couldn’t ask much more of Sir Henry and we hope his contribution to dairy will continue.

“I know Federated Farmers would like to discuss ‘what next’ with him.

“I don’t think many New Zealanders understand just how big a job Sir Henry has done. It’s not just a business story, but an environmental one. It was under Sir Henry’s tenure that the Clean Streams Accord was launched. That has gone on to become an outstanding success.

“2011 has been a year of evolution at Fonterra, starting with the arrival of its new Chief Executive, Theo Spierings.

“It’s an evolution now reaching the Board table with the exciting news yesterday, of the shareholders electing Fonterra’s first ever Maori Director.

“Taranaki’s David MacLeod is a young and gifted dairy farmer who will bring his skills and knowledge to the board table.

“Another significant bit of news is that Sir Ralph Norris is joining as an Independent Director. He brings tremendous international business skills to Fonterra, being New Zealand’s most international company.

“At Federated Farmers we back Fonterra to grow as a cooperative and we welcome those who share that same vision,” Mr Leferink concluded.