Philip Turner
Director of Government and Trade
CEO Fonterra Ltd
Achievements
Introduction
Mr Philip Turner has had extensive experience in various positions throughout
his life in all areas surrounding international trade. Mr Turner was thrown
into the international scene as an official for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade. He was appointed to the Ministry for an informative 13 years which
he believes was “just about right.” This position allowed him to
travel the world during which he played a direct role in New Zealand’s
trade arrangements. He began to think about his goals in life during his 30s
while working for the Ministry. He came to the conclusion that he was a person
who thrived on changing himself and adapting to new situations. Consequently,
he decided to leave the Ministry and joined Fonterra as it was the only New
Zealand company which had a global market presence.
Fonterra
Fonterra is the largest company in New Zealand, handling 95% of all of New Zealand’s
milk supply and is the world’s largest dairy products exporter. Fonterra
was formed in 2001 as the result of a merger between The New Zealand Dairy Board
and Kiwi Dairy Cooperative. Mr Turner, in his capacity as the Director of Government
and Trade for Fonterra, has had to deal with over 140 governments, as well as
overseeing all regulatory affairs.
APEC
As an exporting company, Fonterra is a strong supporter of APEC and its goals
in achieving free trade. It also supports the formation of a free trade deal
with China because this would open up a large market for New Zealand dairy products.
In addition to the reduction in tariffs, he sees APEC as important in reducing
customs clearance times.
Food
for thought
Mr Turner is a dynamic leader, who is not content with simply more of the same.
He is confident with Fonterra’s position and ability to compete on the
world stage, likening his job to that of an All Black and is honest and proud
about the continuing importance of the dairy industry and Fonterra to the New
Zealand economy.
Quotes
“We would like APEC to be stronger and do a lot more”
“If we make a mistake the whole economy suffers.”
“I’m very happy with what I’ve got, but I wouldn’t want
it tomorrow … I think I have the best job in the country.”
Contributed by: Mark Coppell, Andrew Webber, Mariana Rodríguez Rivera, Minal Devi, David Becker and Clare Lenihan