FDBusiness.com

Mark Allen is stepping down as chief executive of Dairy Crest following the £975 million sales of the UK dairy business to Canada-based Saputo Group, which is one of the top ten dairy processors in the world. Tom Atherton, chief executive and group finance director of Dairy Crest, has been appointed president and chief operating officer of Saputo’s Dairy Division (UK).

Tom Atherton has worked for Dairy Crest since 2005. He was appointed as an executive director and group finance director in 2013 and has also held the position of deputy chief executive since January 2018. In his role, he has been instrumental in determining the strategic direction of Dairy Crest. Previously, Tom Atherton held senior management positions within publicly-listed companies in the UK.

Tom Atherton will report to Kai Bockmann, president and chief operating officer of Saputo and International Sector. Mark Allen will remain with the business to ensure a transition until July 2019.