Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited have announced appointments for two new senior leaders.

The current Group Director Governance and Legal is immediately stepping into the newly created role of Managing Director Corporate Affairs.

New Zealand's multinational dairy co-operative, Fonterra chief executive Thro Spierings says the company has appointed two new senior leaders.

Fonterra chief executive Thro Spierings says Mike's connection with the business, and its risk and reputation drivers, makes him the natural choice for this role.

'He has an in-depth understanding of New Zealand and the co-operative and the internal and external dynamics of our business.”

The current Regional Director Ingredients South East Asia, Joanne Fair has been placed to lead the co-operative's people and culture team as managing director from July 1.

Theo says Joanne has a strong background and expertise in human resources and has held global and regional commercial leadership roles, having worked with Fonterra across New Zealand, Latin America, Europe and South East Asia.

'With over a decade of experience in the dairy industry, Jo is an experienced senior human resources and commercial leader, with a strong understanding of how Fonterra operates,” says Theo.

'She has shown agility in working with diverse cultures and customers, and her human resources and commercial experience positions her well to lead a team responsible for delivering our people strategy, and organisational health and engagement.”