He takes over from Dairy Farmers of America chief executive Rick Smith, who has chaired the organization since 2015.
Smith will continue to serve on the board along with Arla Foods chief executive Peder Tuborgh and Royal FrieslandCampina chief executive Roelof Joosten.
Spierings said he was pleased to be taking on the role and playing a part in maximizing the contribution dairy can make to the world.
"More than ever, people are turning to dairy for nutritional security and sustainable food and every day we see the good that dairy can do.
"We also recognize that the world will have more than 2 billion more mouths to feed by 2050. With food demand expected to increase by at least 50% in 2050, the challenge is how best to apply the goodness of dairy to the places and people that need it the most.
"Along with the role dairy plays in everyday nutrition, there is a real opportunity to work together and look at new ways we can make the nutritional benefits of dairy more available for those facing poverty and hunger and those fighting obesity.
"Through the Global Dairy Platform, we will continue to push forward with a global effort to make the goodness of dairy contribute more by providing better nutrition, empowering our communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.
"We have made good progress since GDP was formed 11 years ago. At the same time if we are to make a real difference in a world where the pace of change is picking up, we need to be getting better every day and this will take real conviction and belief," Spierings said.
About Global Dairy Platform
Established in 2006, Global Dairy Platform’s mission is to align and support the dairy industry to promote sustainable dairy nutrition.
Visit www.globaldairyplatform.com for more information.
