Wynnstay CEO Davies steps down

Agricultural supplies company Wynnstay said on Friday that Gareth Davies has stepped down from his role as chief executive "as he continues to focus on a serious family matter" but will remain on the board of directors.

Wynnstay has appointed Alk Brand as CEO with effect from 1 October.

The company announced in February that Davies had requested a leave of absence. Chairman Steve Ellwood, who assumed executive responsibilities on an interim basis from then, will relinquish these responsibilities and return to his previous non-executive role on 1 October.

With immediate effect, group finance director Rob Thomas will be taking on additional responsibilities, supported by the senior management team.

Wynnstay said the appointment of Alk Brand follows the completion of a thorough recruitment process to identify a suitable successor to Davies. It said Brand 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, Brand headed European Oat Millers, the Bedford-based miller and supplier of grain-based ingredients, latterly overseeing its successful sale to and integration with Richardson International.

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."