Grant Watson

Background

About Grant Watson

Grant has a strong history of consumer and foodservice, operations and manufacturing, dairy and packaged goods, with experience across key global markets. He has a track record of materially transforming and accelerating businesses by setting clearly articulated strategies, surrounding himself with diverse and talented people, and relentlessly driving execution to deliver strong sustainable results. Grant joined Fonterra in 2010 to turn around its struggling New Zealand Anchor milk business along with running both its Foodservice business and premium bakery company (The Pastry House). The Anchor milk business was completely transformed delivering record profitability. In addition, The Pastry House was completely overhauled which was then sold for a material gain-on-sale. As Managing Director he later ran the Tip Top ice cream business making significant improvements across the business and in doing so delivering record profits. For the last 5 years Grant has led the value-add Global Foodservice business, launching the premium brand of Anchor Food Professionals and growing it from a $1.4b business to a diversified $2.8b business in just 5 years. During this time Anchor Food Professionals was established as the #1 dairy foodservice supply-partner in China and across South East Asia. More recently Grant parachuted into the Fonterra Brands New Zealand business (double hatting with his global role) to help turn this business around during a 9-month period. As a result staff engagement, customer satisfaction and business profitability significantly improved. Grant originally came through the ranks of McDonald’s New Zealand to become Chief Operating Officer. As Chief Operating Officer he led a number of significant transformation projects including the re-imaging of the entire restaurant network to a modern-day standard, providing consumers with healthier menu choices and resetting the entire Licensee network. Grant has held several governance and directorship roles for private and publicly listed companies, and has strong skills around board engagement. Grant has a fantastic relationship with his partner Jess and their combined 3 children, and has very close relationships with his wider family. He has a history of putting himself completely outside of his comfort zone both physically and mentally e.g. Ironman, university studies, flying etc. Grant has a passion for music, running, cycling, travelling, family and friends.