JASON Kelly has joined leading potato supplier Branston as Chief Operating Officer, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience in senior roles.
Previously the vice-president of global manufacturing for bakery giant Krispy Kreme, Jason’s previous roles have also involved implementing ways of packing and processing fresh produce and unlocking value across the full supply chain for one of the UK’s largest grocery giants.
He said: “I really missed the dynamic nature of the fresh produce and added value sector and when I was looking for my next challenge knew it was something I’d like to explore again.”
He added: “Quality and consistency are essential within the fresh produce and added value sector, but farming is a hard profession and we need to do right by our suppliers – achieving this balance is the purpose of my role. It’s been great to hit the ground running.”
Jason’s role encompasses responsibility for procurement, logistics and operations across the group. As well as a focus on relationships, he’ll be tasked with improving efficiencies, longer-term future-proofing and supporting the wider senior team in the next stage of planned growth and investment.
Branston’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Windle said: “As we look to roll out our next phase of growth, and expand on the success of our recent ventures into dedicated potato protein and mash factories, Jason is the ideal addition to the team to support the next stage of our vision. His experience so far is the ideal grounding, and it fuels his passion for world class food manufacturing as well as his drive to make improvements throughout our entire supply chain, an area which has never been more pivotal in the UK potato industry. I am looking forward to working closely with him and seeing the positive impact and evolution he will bring to Branston.”
