A man credited with helping strengthen Fonterra's financial position in the global economic crisis has been appointed Zespri's new independent director.

Jonathan Mason has been Fonterra's chief financial officer since 2009 but announced his retirement from that role in January.

Jonathan Mason has been Fonterra's chief financial officer since 2009. Photo: Fonterra.

This month he replaces the outgoing Zespri Board chairman and independent director, John Loughlin, as one of three independent directors on Zespri's eight-member board.

Jonathan has 30 years' international commercial experience in oil, chemicals, forest products, and dairy and consumer products, with an emphasis on emerging markets. He also has seven years governance experience, having held directorship responsibilities for several companies and organisations.

The American joined Fonterra as the global financial crisis gripped, and has been seen as highly influential in strengthening the company's financial position in tough times.

At the time his retirement was announced, Fonterra Chief executive Theo Spierings said Jonathan had also played a major part in the launch of Trading Among Farmers, and the associated unit IPO.

As Fonterra's Chief Financial Officer Jonathan led group reporting, treasury, legal and tax functions. He came to Fonterra from Cabot Corporation in the United States where he was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2006. Jonathan's move to Fonterra was his second to New Zealand, having lived here in 2000 to 2005 for his role as Chief Financial Officer for Carter Holt Harvey. From 1985 to 2000 he worked in a variety of financial management positions at International Paper and ExxonMobil Corporations.

Zespri's newly-appointed Chairman, Peter McBride, says Jonathan's extensive international business experience, particularly his strong financial focus, would serve Zespri's shareholders and New Zealand kiwifruit growers well.

'Jonathan's financial acumen and experience, combined with his experience with developing emerging markets, will be hugely valuable for Zespri as the kiwifruit industry begins to recover from Psa.”

He will begin his directorship with Zespri at the May board meeting. Shareholders will have the opportunity to confirm Jonathan's appointment at the 2013 Zespri Annual Meeting on July 24, when he will stand for election as an independent director.

John Loughlin retired from the board on April 30 after 11 years, including five years as chairman.

Peter says John had given great service to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry during his time with the board.

'John has been a tower of strength on the Zespri Board both as an independent director and as chairman. He has been integral to the growth of Zespri and the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

'Since Psa was confirmed in New Zealand, he has shown tremendous leadership in guiding the industry through these very challenging times. He leaves the kiwifruit industry with the Psa recovery pathway in place, and a building sense of optimism that the industry will recover strongly from Psa and return to its long-term growth path.

'I thank John for his commitment to and leadership of Zespri through both the good and challenging times and for his contribution to the wider New Zealand kiwifruit industry.”