Iain Gardner, UK COO of Dutch-owned animal feed firm ForFarmers, to step down at end of year

Horizon House at Rougham Industrial Estate, Bury St Edmunds, the new UK headquarters for ForFarmers, which was officially opening in May 2017 by ForFarmers chief executive Yoram Knoop, pictured cutting the ribbon, with chief operating officer Iain Gardner holding it. Picture: ADAM J NORTH (Image: ForFarmers)

UK chief operating officer Iain Gardner will be succeeded by supply chain director Steven Read. Dutch-owned ForFarmers recently moved its UK headquarters from Ipswich to Bury St Edmunds. Mr Gardner has been with ForFarmers, which acquired Ipswich-based BOCM Pauls in 2012, for 29 years. Chief executive Yoram Knoop said he was instrumental in helping the firm become the UK’s leading feed company, implementing the Horizon 2020 strategy, which integrated its acquisitions. “We thank him for his commitment and contribution,” he said.

Mr Read, with the firm for 31 years, is currently based at the firm’s Lochem headquarters. “Steven is the natural and logical person to be appointed COO of ForFarmers UK given his broad experience and successful implementation of changes,” said Mr Knoop.

Horizon House, in Fred Castle Way, Rougham Industrial Estate, Bury St Edmunds, the new UK headquarters for ForFarmers, which was officially opening in May 2017. Picture: ADAM J NORTH (Image: ForFarmers)