Wynnstay's change at the top

Current chief executive Ken Greetham is retiring after 21 years with the company, the last 10 in his current post.

Gareth Davies, joint managing director of Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) has been appointed to the board as chief executive designate.

It follows the completion of a thorough recruitment process, which looked externally and internally, to identify a successor to continue the Llansantffraid-basedgroup's development.

Wynnstay said Mr Greetham has made a very significant contribution to Wynnstay during his long career with the business, and will continue in his current role until early July in order to complete a smooth handover.

He will step down from the board but will remain available in an advisory capacity for a period after that.

Harper Adams University graduate Mr Davies, aged 54, joined Wynnstay in 1999 as sales manger for South Wales and for the last five years has been in his current role. He is also a director of some of Wynnstay's joint venture and associate companies.

He started his career in agriculture at a large scale beef and sheep farm before joining Kemira Fertilisers, where he worked for 13 years. He also established his own enterprise in fertiliser and seed sales.

Mr Davies is also currently a sirector of Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales, the industry-led organisation responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of Welsh red meat. In addition, he is a member of the Welsh Government Trade and Supply Chain Working Group and the Welsh Government Rural Communities body, and treasurer of British Grassland Society.

Jim McCarthy, chairman of Wynnstay, said: "Ken Greetham has led Wynnstay for the last 10 years with tremendous skill and judgement, and his contribution to the Group over 21 years has been outstanding. On behalf of all his colleagues at Wynnstay, we wish him a happy retirement and thank him for his leadership, particularly over the last two years, which have been some of the most difficult in recent history for the agricultural sector.

"Ken is succeeded by Gareth Davies, a highly talented individual and a strong team player, who, like Ken, is passionately committed to the business. Under his guidance, we are confident that Wynnstay will continue to develop and grow, extending its geographic presence and building its position in its chosen markets."

Mr Greetham said: "It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Wynnstay, and to work alongside the very talented people within the Group. I hand over my role to Gareth Davies, someone I respect and trust, and share the board's confidence in Gareth's ability to drive the group's ongoing growth and development. I am confident that Wynnstay will continue to grow and flourish under his leadership."