Wynnstay Group appoint Alk Brand as CEO

The news of Alk Brand's appointment came as Gareth Davies stepped down from his role as he continues to focus on a serious family matter.

Mr Davies, who agreed a period of leave in February, will remain on the Board of Directors at Wynnstay, which has a base in Shrewsbury.

Mr Brand will take over as Chief Executive Officer with effect from October 1 with chairman Steve Ellwood, who assumed executive responsibilities on an interim basis, returning to his previous non-executive role.

Group Finance Director, Rob Thomas, who also took up additional duties to cover Gareth’s leave of absence, has had his portfolio of responsibilities redefined and becomes Chief Financial Officer, with the Finance function also strengthened.

Mr Brand’s appointment follows the completion of a thorough recruitment process to identify a suitable successor to Mr Davies.

The 59-year-old is a highly experienced CEO, with a significant understanding of the agricultural sector, supply chains, farming co-operatives, and food markets.

He was previously CEO for four years of Westfalia Fruit Group, the UK-headquartered multinational supplier of fresh fruit and plant-based products to international retail, foodservice and wholesale markets.

He was also CEO of Hans Merensky Holdings, the governance structure for most of Westfalia Fruit’s shareholders.

Before that, from 2012, he headed European Oat Millers, the Bedfordbased miller and supplier of grain-based ingredients, latterly overseeing its successful sale to and integration with Richardson International. He was also a Board member of The British Oats and Barley Manufacturing Association and qualified as a Chartered Director.

He comes from a family farming background in South Africa.

Mr Ellwood said: “Alk has a significant understanding of agriculture, supply chains and food production as well as wide ranging commercial experience.

"We welcome him to the Group and look forward to working with him as we continue to take the business forward.

"I also take this opportunity to thank Gareth for the major contribution he has made to the development of the business over many years. He remains a valued and well-respected colleague who remains on the Board in an advisory capacity for a further period.”

Mr Brand added: “I am very pleased to be joining Wynnstay. The Group has a strong position in the agricultural sector which continues to adapt to changing market forces. I look forward to helping to drive the Company growth and development over the medium term as we maintain our strong commitment to UK farmers.”