Ash Amirahmadi1

Arla UK managing director Ash Amirahmadi will become chair of IGD’s board of trustees in March.

He will take over from Jill Ross, CEO of Avidity whose four-year tenure is coming to an end, but who will remain a trustee until the end of the year.

Amirahmadi has led Arla in the UK since 2018, having joined the dairy co-op some 15 years ago. He is also the chairman of industry body Dairy UK.

In his role with the IGD, he will lead a board of trustees that comprises 13 senior directors from companies spanning the grocery industry.

“I am proud to be given the opportunity to chair a trusted and respected organisation,” he said. “The IGD plays such an important role in developing commercial insights and connecting organisations, all of which help shape the future of the food and consumer goods industry.” 

How Ash Amirahmadi has steered Arla through crisis after crisis

Amirahmadi brought with him a “wealth of knowledge and passion for the industry, which will be hugely valuable as we continue to unite and inspire the food and consumer goods industry and mobilise it as a force for good”, said IGD CEO Susan Barratt.

The outgoing Jill Ross was described as “an enormous advocate” of the IGD, by Barratt.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair of IGD’s board of trustees, working in partnership with colleagues from across our industry to guide this unique organisation through an incredible few years,” said Ross. “I wish Ash all the best in the role and have no doubt his passion for our industry will help deliver great impact for IGD.”