Dairy UK appoints new chairman

Dairy UK has elected Paul Vernon, chief executive of Glanbia Cheese, as its new chairman, succeeding Dr David Dobbin.

Vernon comments, “For me it is a huge privilege to be elected chairman of an organisation that puts itself at the forefront of representing the interests of one of the nation’s greatest industries.

“I can make one firm commitment without any hesitation, and that is that Dairy UK will spare no effort in fighting for the interests of dairy.

“We have massive challenges ahead of us, particularly in relation to Brexit, so there has never been a more important time to remind government and decision-makers of the relevance and importance of dairy.”

Dr Judith Bryans, Dairy UK CEO, welcomed Vernon to the position and paid tribute to former chairman Dobbin, commenting, “The board and the executive team at Dairy UK would like to express their thanks to David for his dedication in guiding Dairy UK and the industry forward during his period as chair.

“We are lucky to be gaining another leading industry figure in Paul Vernon, to lead Dairy UK through what will be an extraordinarily busy and challenging period. Paul enjoys widespread respect and support across the industry and is an ideal successor to David.”

Tomas Pietrangeli, managing director of Arla Foods and Andrew McInnes, managing director of Muller Milk & Ingredients, have also been elected as vice-chairs of Dairy UK.

Dr Bryans adds, “Tomas and Andrew have a wealth of expertise and insight behind them, all of which will be important in helping Dairy UK to create a positive environment for the future of the industry.”