Elders picks top agribusiness identity to replace Mark Allison as new boss
The change of guard at the national farm services group will happen on October 1 when Mr Allison ends a 12-year stint as managing director, and prior to that two years as board chairman.
Mr Dedoncker, who was managing director of the New Zealand dairy giant's Australian operations between 2017 and 2024 before taking leadership of Fonterra's expanded Australian and Oceania business, will be earning a $1.15 million base salary in his new job.
The Oceania dairy business is poised to be sold as part of Fonterra's decision to spin off its Mainland operations, including Australian factories, to French dairy behemoth, Lactalis.
Mr Dedoncker spent about 20 years with Fonterra, most recently as managing director of its global consumer markets business.
Prior to joining the dairy industry, he had senior manager roles at Mars Corporation.
Elders chairman, Glenn Davis, said his board's choice for the top job was somebody with deep agricultural roots and outstanding leadership experience.
Newly selected Elders managing director, Rene Dedoncker, starts in the job later this year. File picture.
"Rene has proven expertise from his years with Fonterra and Mars, where he drove operational excellence and strategic growth on a global scale," Mr Davis said.
"He understands the importance of our regional network and customer relationships, and he has a demonstrated ability to drive growth and operational performance while upholding the values and heritage of an organisation.
"The board has great confidence in his ability to lead Elders into its next phase of success."
Mark Allison says it's time to pass on the Elders' leadership baton. File picture.
Mr Davis said Elders would benefit from Mr Dedoncker's strong strategic acumen, operational discipline and genuine passion for agriculture, making him an excellent choice to lead the big agribusiness into the future.
Outgoing managing director, Mr Allison, previously attempted a retirement move in 2023.
However, with the help of a $500,000 cash bonus incentive, he was convinced to stay in the role for another two years after the board was unable to find the right person for the job quickly enough.
His annual salary jumped to $1.5m and included another $500,000 retention incentive in June last year.
Mr Allison said now was the right time to hand over the leadership baton.
"The board has chosen a strong successor in Rene who has my full support and endorsement," Mr Allison said.
"We have worked to position Elders for long-term success and I'm confident he will further that momentum."
Mr Allison said it had been a great privilege to serve as managing director and CEO of Elders.
"I'm incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and remain committed to supporting a smooth transition," he said.
Mr Davis paid tribute to Mr Allison's work, describing him as an outstanding, values-driven leader.
"Mark has steered the company through significant industry cycles and ensured Elders' continued growth and resilience," he said.
"He oversaw the development and implementation of strategic plans that returned the company to a pureplay agribusiness and, in 2017, and resuming dividends after an eight-year hiatus."
The company's directors "sincerely thank him for an exceptional contribution".
Mr Dedoncker's appointment follows an international and domestic search process which has been underway for the past year.
He will continue leading Mainland Group through the completion of the divestment transaction and transition to Lactalis ownership as part of his six-month notice period with Fonterra.
Fonterra chief executive officer Miles Hurrell has thanked Mr Dedoncker for his significant contribution to the big farmer-owned co-operative, particularly through the process to divest Mainland Group.
"Rene has continued to provide strong leadership and drive performance as we prepared the business for sale," he said.
Mr Dedoncker said he was truly honoured that Elders had placed its trust in him.
"I look forward to working with the board, Mark, and the entire Elders team to continue delivering value for our clients, shareholders and people," he said.
"Elders is an iconic name with a proud history in Australian agriculture, and I have long admired its commitment to farmers and rural communities."
Further Information
By Andrew Marshall February 5 2026