Des Kingsley Thanet Earth

Thanet Earth has announced that managing director Des Kingsley is set to leave the Kent business in June.

Kingsley told the Kent-based glasshouse growers that he was stepping down to take up a new role in the food industry after four years in the role, with a provisional leaving date set for 14 June.

Chris Mack, chairman of Thanet Earth, said: “On behalf of the board of Thanet Earth I want to thank Des for his commitment to the business and to wish him well in the future. He has overseen the continuing development of the site and managed Thanet Earth through a period of fast-paced change in the market.”

Chris Butler was named as Kingsley’s successor having been at the Fresca Group for more than 20 years. He will take up the reins on 7 May.

“Many will know Chris already, but he will make it a priority to settle quickly into the new role, getting to know our customers, our growers and the team at Thanet Earth,” Mack said.

“There’s a bright future in UK food production and the board of Thanet Earth are pleased to have appointed Chris to help bring the next phase of our growth to fruition. We wish him every success.”