Branston appoints new MD

UK potato grower-packer-processor Branston has appointed a new managing director to guide the business as it continues to grow from strength to strength. 

Branston financial director Jim Windle has been promoted to the role and will head up all facets of the Lincoln-headquartered business, the firm announced on Tuesday (8 November).

Windle has acted as deputy managing director for ”some time” and brings 20 years of professional experience to his new role - almost eight of which have been spent at Branston, the company said.

Commenting on his appointment, Windle said: “Stepping into the role of managing director is something that has been planned for a while with our shareholder board and the executive team. I am thrilled and proud to be taking the Branston business forward and cannot wait to get started. We have an exciting plan and a strong team to deliver it.

“We are constantly looking at new ways we can adapt and ensure our entire supply chain, from field to shelf, is managed in a sustainable and responsible way. It is our job to work with our growers and customers to ensure our versatile staple product provides excellent value and quality for all our customers, the importance of which has never been in more focus than in these challenging times. The current climate is uncertain for many businesses in the UK across almost every sector, but we are very well placed to drive our position forwards as experts in our broader sector, not just as potato suppliers.”

Windle will be working with former managing director, James Truscott, to ensure a smooth transition period over the next six months.

Branston is Tesco’s product partner for potatoes, supplying the retailer with potato packs since 1990 and pre-prepared product since 2005.