Neil Kennedy to Leave Arla Foods
Neil Kennedy (pictured) is stepping down from his role at Arla Foods UK, to pursue interests outside of the business, with effect from 31 March 2013. Neil Kennedy was chief executive of UK dairy co-operative Milk Link until the merger with Arla Foods and since October has held the position of senior vice president for milk and member services.
Neil Kennedy comments: “As chief executive of Milk Link, my vision, one shared by the Milk Link board, the executive and most importantly our farmers, was to establish a vertically integrated farmer-owned business that could provide its members with long-term security, stability and sustainability. I firmly believe that the merger with Arla, one of the world’s largest and most progressive farmer owned dairy businesses, will deliver this.
He adds: “My reason for leaving is purely a personal one. Having been heavily involved in the merger process, I now feel that the time is right to take on a new challenge and pursue new opportunities outside of Arla.”
Ash Amirahmadi, Arla’s vice president for marketing, will assume responsibility for milk and member services in addition to his marketing role.
