Fonterra Co-operative has appointed Helius Guimaraes as Chief Data Officer following a global executive search conducted by SEQEL Partners.

Fonterra Co-operative is a global dairy nutrition company and a world-leading dairy exporter which plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s agricultural economy. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, Toby Granwal, Helius will have responsibility for transforming, leading and maintaining Fonterra’s data function.

Originally from Brazil, Helius is an internationally experienced senior leader having held roles in South Africa, the UK, Brazil, Singapore, and Australia. Currently Helius is based in Perth as the Digital Transformation Leader for Alcoa, a multi-national mining and industrial corporation. There, he is accountable for leading and implementing the company’s data strategy and developing innovative digital initiatives. Previously Helius spent over 11 years with Rio Tinto, the world’s second largest metals and mining corporation, in a range of senior data and technology focused roles including Global IS&T Manager, GM Enterprise Architecture & Emerging Technologies, and General Manager Data Strategy.

Helius holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geology from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, and an MBA from the University of Pretoria. He commences with Fonterra in March 2022.