James Roberston

Chief of Staff, Fonterra, and 2020 NZ Award Finalist

James is the Chief of Staff at Fonterra, having returned to New Zealand in late 2024 after several years in Asia, where he served as the Regional Manager for Trade Strategy.

Fonterra is a global dairy co-operative owned by around 8,000 farming families in New Zealand. It is one of the world’s leading dairy exporters, with a strong focus on sustainable farming, innovation, and delivering high-quality dairy nutrition to customers in over 130 countries.

James led navigation complex international markets and advancing Fonterra’s strategic trade relationships across the region in Asia. James covered the North and Southeast Asia region to help protect and enhance market access for Fonterra products and strengthen NZ's reputation with stakeholders. He worked closely with New Zealand Government representatives, local governments, business organisations and other key stakeholders in the region to build support for Fonterra’s business objectives and enhance the benefits of trade within the Asia region. Alongside his work at Fonterra James has a distinguished record of involvement in the New Zealand Agricultural industry and its institutions. In 2019, he was the youngest ever to win the New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year competition. He has also been a past Board member of New Zealand Young Farmers. James holds a bachelor in AgriCommerce and International Agribusiness from Massey University in New Zealand.  He was a 2020 Zanda McDonald Award finalist.

While Miles Hurrell, CEO of Fonterra, is unable to attend the Summit in person, he has kindly provided a short video message, which will be played ahead of James’ presentation.