bramley apples

Top fruit trade body English Apples & Pears has appointed Kent businessman Steven Munday as its new CEO.

Munday starts in the new role on 20 June, and replaces industry stalwart Adrian Barlow, who is retiring after a 20-year stint with EAP, and 16 years as its CEO.

Barlow will remain in post to undertake a handover until August, and as chairman “for the immediate future”.

Munday has held a number of commercial, sales and marketing roles with the likes of Nike and in the paper industry, and has worked as MD of trading company Kent County Supplies’ education supplies division and as MD of sister business Kent Commercial Services’ direct services division for the past 18 months.

“English fruits, particularly apples and pears, have always been close to my heart due to their healthy attributes and their contribution to the beauty of the English countryside,” he said. “I am very aware of many of the challenges currently faced by the sector as well as the impressive growth of sales in recent years and I’m looking forward to working with all those in the industry to ensure development continues.”