James Robertson

2020 NZ Finalist

James is the Chief of Staff at Fonterra, based in Auckland. Fonterra is a dairy co-operative, owned by 9,000 farming families in New Zealand. In this role, he oversees strategic initiatives, coordinates the executive team, and manages business processes. He recently returned to New Zealand after a three-year assignment in China with the co-operative with a role which covered strategy and external affairs across the Asia region. In 2024 he received the emerging leader award for business between China and New Zealand, at the New Zealand China Trade Association awards.

James has a strong background in the dairy industry. In 2019, he won the prestigious New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year competition and has served as a board member for New Zealand Young Farmers. He holds a Bachelor of AgriCommerce in International Agribusiness from Massey University.

"What have you got to lose? Give it a crack, you have everything to gain".