By KEVIN TAYLOR
Chris Moller has clocked up vast experience in the dairy industry since the late 1980s, and his departure is seen by industry observers as a big loss.
One observer said his departure from the NZMP top job was not only a loss to the industry but one Fonterra
could ill-afford.
Moller joined the Dairy Board in 1987 as corporate investments manager before becoming general manager of the cheese division in 1989. From 1994 to 1996 he was general manager of finance and corporate development, before becoming group general manager, international, for two years, and group general manager, ingredients, for one year.
In September 2000 Moller was appointed managing director, NZMP, a company with an annual turnover of more than $7 billion. In July last year he was reappointed managing director, NZMP, and deputy chief executive of Fonterra.
He is said to have been a candidate for the top job, which went to Craig Norgate.
Before joining the dairy industry he was Broadbank Corporation general manager, corporate banking. He was also manager of Fletcher Challenge's London office, corporate finance executive for Baring Brothers and Company, and finance executive and accounting officer for Challenge Corporation.
Raised in Hawkes Bay, Moller finished a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree at Victoria University in 1975.
Norgate said in announcing Moller's position at Fonterra last year that his capabilities were well known and the co-operative was "fortunate to have someone with his leadership strength, commercial skills and experience in the industry to fill this critical role".
