Fresh produce giant Farmcare has appointed a new finance director.
The move comes as the business continues its evolution following its purchase one year ago by the Wellcome Trust from The Co-operative Group.
Rob Argyle joins Farmcare from The Hain Daniels Group, where he capped a 13-year career in senior positions across the group, with a 14-month period as finance director.
Leading the finance team through periods of accelerated growth, Argyle played a key role in integrating the Premier Foods’ jams and spreads business into The Hain Daniels Group, following an acquisition that saw the organisation doubling turnover to £350 million in the space of just twelve months as it added brands including Sun-Pat, Gale Honey and Hartley’s to its portfolio.
Rob began his career in accountancy with Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC) in 1997, where he completed his accountancy qualifications having previously graduated with a degree in history.
Commenting on his new role, Argyle said: 'I’m delighted to be joining Farmcare’s singularly ambitious and enthusiastic leadership team.
'The more I heard about the role, the more I realised it would be a great opportunity and a fantastic fit with my approach and beliefs. Everything from the potential for growth and The Wellcome Trust’s - and therefore Farmcare’s - long-term approach, to the ethos of the company, with its commitment to the transparent provenance of its produce, sits well with me.
'I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into some exciting challenges ahead. I’m well used to a fast moving, dynamic environment and I know I can really make a difference in Farmcare, which is ideally placed to capitalise on the market trend for suppliers that can provide provenance. There’ll be a lot to learn as my experience sits further down the supply chain, but I already know there’s a great team that can help me quickly get under the skin of the business.'
Argyle will be based in Farmcare’s central Manchester headquarters, and will lead an eight-strong finance team, as well as working closely with the commercial team.
His position will see him influencing and defining business strategy, as well as playing a part in its roll-out. Ensuring new processes enable finance functions to be more integrated as a meaningful presence on all farms will also be a key objective.
Richard Quinn, Farmcare CEO, said: 'I’m thrilled to welcome Rob on board. His in-depth sector experience, forward-thinking approach and financial acumen mean the chemistry is spot on for Farmcare.
'Our talented leadership team will be one of the driving forces to ensure that we meet the goals we’ve set in Farmcare’s First Mile strategy and deliver a long term financial return on Wellcome Trust’s investment.'
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