Judith Swales
Chief Executive Officer, Global Markets
Judith Swales leads Fonterra’s Global Markets region, representing NZ$16 billion in revenue for the Co-op. Responsible for our Consumer, Foodservice and Ingredients channels across the region, Judith and her team lead the global strategy to help bring the goodness of dairy to generations of customers and consumers with products that support every life stage.
Combining over 5,300 talented employees, 83 nationalities and hundreds of cultures, Global Markets comprises markets including New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and the Indian cluster, North Asia, and the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Prior to this Judith was Fonterra’s CEO for Asia Pacific, responsible for all sales and marketing of Fonterra’s Consumer, Foodservice and Ingredients products. She earlier led the Global Consumer and Foodservice business, and the Innovation and Transformation business unit.
Judith joined the Co-operative in 2013 as Managing Director Australia and Fonterra Oceania, where she led the successful turnaround of the Australian business and oversaw Fonterra Brands New Zealand.
The daughter of a milkman, Judith grew up helping her father on his daily milk run. She has extensive experience in senior management and business turnarounds. Before joining Fonterra, she was the Managing Director of Heinz Australia, and CEO and Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop, Australia and New Zealand. Judith worked for several UK retailers, culminating in her move to Australia in 2001 as the Managing Director of Angus and Robertson.
She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for Super Retail Group and has served on the boards of Virgin Australia, DuluxGroup and Fosters.
Judith has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Microbiology and Virology and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.