3.OMSCO
The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) has appointed Neil Kennedy as an independent non-executive director.
With 35 years of dairy experience, Kennedy is currently also non-executive director of Belton Cheese and Ornua UK, as well as chairman of Crediton Dairy.
His career began at Kellogg in 1981, before moving into the dairy industry in 1987 with Unigate, where he spent well over a decade.
He spent three years running Tom’s Confectionery, before returning to the dairy industry as md of The Cheese Company. This company was purchased by co-operative Milk Link and he took over the role of ceo Milk Link in 2008, until the merger with Arla in 2012.
Nicholas Saphir, chairman of OMSCo, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Neil to the board. He brings wide-ranging and relevant experience and has led and managed change. He’ll be a significant contributor to the development and governance of the cooperative as we continue to expand.”
“We’ve developed growth markets beyond our borders and pride ourselves on being one of the most export-orientated dairy businesses in the UK. It’s anticipated that 2016 will see our total exports of cheese, cream, whey, butter and powder increase to more than a third of our turnover. It’s experience such as Neil’s that will help us to develop, manage and exploit these opportunities.”