Elders Limited has announced René Dedoncker as its next CEO, set to begin in October 2026, with current CEO Mark Allison staying on through a transition period. Dedoncker brings two decades of agribusiness leadership experience from Fonterra and Mars Corporation.
- René Dedoncker appointed CEO effective 1 October 2026
- Mark Allison to remain until February 2027 to ensure smooth handover
- Dedoncker’s background includes 20 years at Fonterra and senior roles at Mars
- CEO remuneration package includes $1.15 million fixed salary plus incentives
- Appointment aligns with Elders’ strategy focusing on agribusiness expertise and operational excellence
Leadership Change at Elders
Elders Limited, a stalwart in Australian agribusiness, has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of René Dedoncker as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026. This change follows a comprehensive international and domestic search, underscoring Elders’ commitment to combining deep agribusiness expertise with operational excellence.
Mark Allison, who has served as Elders’ CEO for over a decade, will continue to lead the company until Dedoncker’s arrival and remain available in an advisory capacity until February 2027. Allison’s tenure has been marked by strategic repositioning, including returning Elders to a pure agribusiness focus and resuming dividends after an eight-year pause.
A Leader with Global Agribusiness Credentials
René Dedoncker brings a wealth of experience from his nearly 20 years at Fonterra Group, where he held several senior executive roles, most recently as CEO of Mainland Group. His leadership at Mainland involved steering a complex consumer food business through ownership transitions and strategic change, while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and operational discipline.
Prior to Fonterra, Dedoncker held senior management positions at Mars Corporation, adding to his global agribusiness credentials. Elders Chair Glenn Davis highlighted Dedoncker’s strategic acumen and passion for agriculture, noting his ability to balance growth with operational performance and uphold Elders’ values and heritage.
Terms and Transition
Dedoncker’s remuneration package includes a total fixed remuneration of $1.15 million per annum, complemented by short-term and long-term incentives tied to performance. A one-off transition allowance of $30,000 supports his relocation to Adelaide. His contract also includes standard executive protections such as a post-employment restraint.
The transition plan ensures continuity, with Allison’s notice period commencing immediately and concluding in February 2027. During this time, Allison will maintain his remuneration and incentive entitlements, supporting a seamless leadership handover.
Looking Ahead
Dedoncker expressed his honour at joining Elders, emphasising his admiration for the company’s commitment to farmers and rural communities. His appointment signals a continuation of Elders’ strategic focus on operational excellence and growth within the agribusiness sector. Investors and industry watchers will be keen to observe how Dedoncker’s global experience translates into Elders’ next phase of development.
Bottom Line?
Elders’ leadership transition sets the stage for strategic continuity and growth under René Dedoncker’s experienced guidance.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Dedoncker’s global agribusiness experience influence Elders’ strategic direction?
- What operational changes might be expected during and after the leadership transition?
- How will the market and shareholders respond to the extended transition period?