Des Kingsley has been appointed as the new MD of Thanet Earth.
Currently MD at S&A Foods Ltd, a ready meal manufacturer, Kingsley has over 25 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on multiple retailer customers.
He will begin work at salad-growing giant Thanet Earth on 20 October. Until then, the interim MD, Ian Craig, who was promoted to the role of CEO of Fresca Group in July, will retain an active role at Thanet Earth.
A spokesperson for Thanet Earth, said: '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, 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. And at Uniq plc, Des was managing director of their northern European sandwich business, living and working in Holland.'
They added: '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.'
Kingsley himself, 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.”
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