Nikhil Fernandes has been appointed as Fonterra Co-operative’s General Manager Planning and Scheduling 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 Director Global Supply Chain, Gordon Carlyle, Nikhil will have responsibility for leading and driving high performance across planning, scheduling and operational delivery within Fonterra’s supply chain function.

Having recently returned to New Zealand following more than ten years in the UK, Nikhil is an internationally experienced supply chain leader. Currently he is Executive Director Global Supply Chain for three luxury brands within Estee Lauder Companies - Jo Malone London, by Kilian, and Edp Frederic Malle. There, Nikhil established and implemented a five-year strategy focused on sustainable growth and profitability for the $1.7b revenue brands. Previous roles with Estee Lauder include Director, then Executive Director, of Global Brand Supply Chain for Jo Malone London where he supported the launch of the brand into China. Nikhil’s early career commenced in Auckland in various cargo, purchasing and production mandates.   

Nikhil holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business majoring in Operations Management both from the University of Auckland. He commences with Fonterra in early March.