New managing director for Thanet Earth Marketing Ltd
Currently managing director at S&A Foods Ltd, Des has over 25 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry with a strong focus on multiple retailer customers. A strategic thinker who’s used to complex businesses, Des has a reputation for uncompromising technical standards and for excellence in production settings.
Whilst new to fresh produce, Des has a very successful track record both as an own label supplier and with branded products. At S&A Foods (a leading ethnic ready meals manufacturer) he has taken the business through a process of change, improving its performance and profitability. Prior to that he was managing director at Kensey Foods (part of Samworth Brothers Ltd), managing major capital projects to facilitate the launch of the successful Cadbury chilled dessert range. At Uniq plc Des was managing director of their northern European sandwich business, living and working in Holland.
Focused, friendly and with a wealth of experience in the food industry, Des is the ideal person to take on this role at Thanet Earth. He will lead the next phase of development for our joint venture business, managing the relationships and interests of all our stakeholders, from our grower partners and investors to our customers and our wider community.
Speaking about his appointment Des said “The Thanet Earth business is awe-inspiring in its scale of operations, its proposition and its reputation in the industry. A team of ambitious people have realised an incredible vision at Thanet and I am very pleased and proud to be able to lead the business in the coming years. Our intention now is to focus our efforts on achieving the original vision of seven greenhouses, and take our retailer relationships from strength to strength.”
To help manage the smoothest possible transition for all parties in this move, Des will begin work at Thanet Earth on 20th October. In the interim, Ian Craig will retain an active role at Thanet Earth.
For further information:
Judy Whittaker
Thanet Earth
Tel: +44 01892 831222
Email: press@thanetearth.com