Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings told media this week that the major business review, started last December, is expected to lead to hundreds of head office and support function staff being laid off. Fonterra currently employ 11,500 staff in New Zealand, and 18,000 worldwide, and the business wants to redirect more employees into sales and market roles in a bid to increase returns. The number of layoffs will not be confirmed until the review is completed and approved by the board, due to occur on 1st August.