In short it is to maintain the ambitious growth agenda of Arla Foods in the UK.
The last two years have been very significant for the business with the joint venture with New Zealand Milk, the acquisition of the speciality cheese business HT Webb & Co and then in March the announcement of the proposed merger with Express Dairies. Coupled with that, we are building a new dairy in Stourton, Leeds.
My challenge is to ensure that we keep up the company's momentum here in the UK while maintaining the focus we place on the retail trade, and build on the good work in this area.
What part have you played in Arla's international operations?
I have held roles in both North and South America plus the Middle East. In the UK I worked with the team here in the mid-1990s to create the Customer Business Unit structure that gives Arla the customer focus we know today.
I am on Arla Foods' International Retailer Project board, which ensures we co-ordinate activities and our offering to international retailers.
What is it like to be part of a company in the process of a merger?
It's a real balancing act. On the one hand you have huge excitement and enthusiasm among colleagues surrounding the merger with Express. But some could feel threatened by or anxious about the change.
You also have to balance the company's short-term and long-term focus. The proposed merger represents our future, but it is important not to lose sight of servicing customers on a day-to-day basis.
What has been your biggest personal challenge?
Moving location nine times since 1990 because of my international career.
As well as cultural adjustments, you also have the upheaval of moving home so many times. I m lucky to have an understanding and supportive family.
{{JOBS & CAREERS }}
The last two years have been very significant for the business with the joint venture with New Zealand Milk, the acquisition of the speciality cheese business HT Webb & Co and then in March the announcement of the proposed merger with Express Dairies. Coupled with that, we are building a new dairy in Stourton, Leeds.
My challenge is to ensure that we keep up the company's momentum here in the UK while maintaining the focus we place on the retail trade, and build on the good work in this area.
What part have you played in Arla's international operations?
I have held roles in both North and South America plus the Middle East. In the UK I worked with the team here in the mid-1990s to create the Customer Business Unit structure that gives Arla the customer focus we know today.
I am on Arla Foods' International Retailer Project board, which ensures we co-ordinate activities and our offering to international retailers.
What is it like to be part of a company in the process of a merger?
It's a real balancing act. On the one hand you have huge excitement and enthusiasm among colleagues surrounding the merger with Express. But some could feel threatened by or anxious about the change.
You also have to balance the company's short-term and long-term focus. The proposed merger represents our future, but it is important not to lose sight of servicing customers on a day-to-day basis.
What has been your biggest personal challenge?
Moving location nine times since 1990 because of my international career.
As well as cultural adjustments, you also have the upheaval of moving home so many times. I m lucky to have an understanding and supportive family.
{{JOBS & CAREERS }}
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