New head of Arla Meals UK introduced

Arla Meals UK has named Bas Padberg, present vice-president of Arla Meals Southeast Asia, as its new managing director.

Padberg first joined the corporate in 2014 from Royal Friesland Campina to turn out to be managing director of Arla’s enterprise within the Netherlands, Belgium and France, which he became the fastest-growing branded market in Arla Europe.

He’ll take up the function on January 1, 2024; within the interim interval till he takes over, the corporate’s govt vice-president for Europe, Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, will lead the enterprise.

Commenting on the announcement, Giørtz-Carlsen stated:

“I’m delighted that Bas has accepted the chance to steer our expert and engaged UK organisation, as a result of he’s a extremely trusted chief in Arla with an extended track-record of constructing and sustaining a powerful people-focused tradition.

“He’s very skilled in creating worth between our farmers and our strategic prospects from his time in control of our Dutch, Belgian and French enterprise.

“I need to congratulate Bas on his appointment and am wanting ahead to working with him on delivering the thrilling long-term technique for our UK enterprise.”

Giørtz-Carlsen additionally paid homage to outgoing Arla head Ash Amirahmadi, who’s leaving the corporate to turn out to be chief govt workplace of Sofina Meals Europe.

“Ash has been an integral profile and chief in our UK enterprise for nearly twenty years, and we’re unhappy to see him go,” he stated.

“I need to thank him for his service to Arla and our farmers throughout his 5 years as head of Arla UK. He has led our UK enterprise and organisation by means of a interval with many disruptions like Brexit, the pandemic and inflation lately, and has established Arla as a pacesetter inside sustainability within the UK meals business.

“Maybe his biggest achievement is that he leaves behind a powerful group and a gifted organisation who has been a part of creating a number one meals enterprise, so the longer term is vibrant for Arla within the UK.

“We want Ash all the perfect in his new job.”

Amirahmadi stated it was a “tough” determination to depart Arla after a “joyful 20 years”.

“I full my time each with a way of unhappiness and pleasure,” he stated.

“I’ll miss our farmers, our individuals and the deep friendships I’ve developed. It’s individuals, relationships, and values that make organisations particular, and the cooperation between our farmers and our colleagues provides us the distinctive tradition of Arla.

“For me, the Sofina function is a giant one and a special problem which is what I now want in my profession. I’m and can at all times be grateful to have been a part of Arla.”