Muller UK boss to become group chief
The current boss of Muller's UK and Ireland operation has been named as the man to take over the running of the whole group of companies from next year.
Ronald Kers, 44, has been instrumental in building up the dairy giant's operations in Shropshire, and is now to take over from Heiner Kamps in the running of the whole business after he steps down next year.
Under Mr Kers' leadership, Muller has built a huge new butter factory at Market Drayton, brought the former Uniq factory at Minsterley into the group to develop its chilled desserts division, and taken over Nom's huge factory in Telford for yoghurt production.
He also developed the Muller Wiseman Dairies milk arm into the group.
Mr Kers will take over as chief executive of Unternehmensgruppe Theo Muller – the German parent company – in 2015, and Muller is now to set about looking for a new managing director for its yoghurt and chilled dessert business in the UK.
Sole shareholder Theo Muller, who visited the county to cut the ribbon the butter plant last year, said: "I am very pleased that we can recognise and promote talent from within the organisation to this position at the top of the management board."
"We followed the proposal of Heiner Kamps and are convinced that Mr. Kers will successfully continue to lead the Unternehmensgruppe on its growth path."
Mr Kamps has been group chief executive for four years, and will work with Mr Kers on the transition before he retires.
Muller UK spokesman Graeme Jack added: "In Ronald's new role as group chief executive the UK will continue to benefit from his direct influence on strategic direction and culture.
"The business has a strong team, a sound strategy and a determination to succeed. Ronald's new appointment is a testament to the progress that has been made, and the significant momentum will be maintained.
"There is likely to be a recruitment process to identify a new managing director for the Müller Dairy yogurt and chilled desserts business. Ronald will formally take up his new role at the beginning of 2015, and will use the intervening period to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining business continuity and a focus on fulfilling the plans we have in place."
Müller UK & Ireland Group is wholly owned by the German-based parent group, and has 19 sites across the country, employing almost 6,000 people.
Under the management of Mr Kamps, Stefan Müller and Dr. Henrik Bauwens the group companies generate annual revenues of around €5 billion and have around 21,000 employees.
