Branston has named Jason Kelly as its new chief operating officer.
Previously the vice-president of global manufacturing for bakery giant Krispy Kreme, Kelly has a track record of transforming the operational processes of national and international businesses and brings with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior roles.
Before Krispy Kreme, Kelly was responsible for implementing innovative ways of packing and processing fresh produce and unlocking value across the full supply chain for one of the UK’s largest grocery giants.
On his move to Branston, Kelly said: “I really missed the dynamic nature of the fresh produce and added value sector and when I was looking for my next challenge knew it was something I’d like to explore again.
“A very strong culture, coupled with significant stakeholder growth plans presents a rare opportunity to have a transformational impact on the business. Ultimately this was what led me to Branston and within my first few weeks it’s obvious I’ve made the right decision.
“Operational and true end to end supply chain management is important in any business, but for Branston, an organization that relies on its strategic relationships between growers, retailers and end consumers, it is vital to success.
“Quality and consistency are essential within the fresh produce and added value sector, but farming is a hard profession and we need to do right by our suppliers – achieving this balance is the purpose of my role. It’s been great to hit the ground running, and I can’t wait to be part of Branston’s future success.”
Kelly will be responsible for procurement, logistics and operations across the group. As well as a focus on relationships, he’ll be tasked with improving efficiencies, longer-term futureproofing and supporting the wider senior team in the next stage of planned growth and further investment.
“As we look to roll out our next phase of growth, and expand on the success of our recent ventures into dedicated potato protein and mash factories, Jason is the ideal addition to the team to support the next stage of our vision,” Jim Windle, chief executive officer at Branston, commented.
“His experience so far is the ideal grounding, and it fuels his passion for world class food manufacturing as well as his drive to make improvements throughout our entire supply chain, an area which has never been more pivotal in the UK potato industry. I am looking forward to working closely with him and seeing the positive impact and evolution he will bring to Branston.”
