Carlisle-based agriculture and engineering firm Carr’s Group announced that First Milk CEO Shelagh Hancock and AG Barr finance director Stuart Lorimer have been appointed as independent non-executive directors and will join the Carr’s board on September 1, 2022.
Carr’s is still looking for a new CEO.
The firm announced in October, 2021, that Hugh Pelham had stepped down as CEO after only nine months, leaving the group with immediate effect to “pursue other interests.”
Chairman Peter Page became executive chairman on an interim basis.
“Shelagh has over 30 years’ experience in the food and agricultural supply sectors and is currently chief executive officer at First Milk, the British farmer-owned dairy co-operative, where she is highly respected for delivering significant growth in member returns since being appointed in 2017,” said Carr’s.
“Prior to this Shelagh held several executive positions across the UK dairy industry including at Milk Link (formerly Glanbia Foods) and Medina Dairy, having trained as an animal nutritionist.
“Stuart is currently finance director at AG Barr plc, the FTSE listed soft drinks brand owner, a role which he has held since 2015.
“Prior to this Stuart was with Diageo plc for 22 years in various senior roles working across Europe the USA and Asia, ultimately as finance director for Diageo’s global supply operation.
“Stuart brings strong finance expertise together with a wealth of experience in supply chain operations, logistics and business optimisation.
“He is a qualified accountant having begun his career at KPMG.
“Upon appointment, Shelagh and Stuart will both serve as members of the Board’s Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees.”
Chairman Peter Page said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to welcome both Shelagh and Stuart to Carr’s.
“Shelagh’s strong academic background in animal nutrition, deep understanding of and credibility in UK livestock agriculture, and experience in developing a meaningful ESG agenda, will be valuable as we continue to advance the group’s agriculture businesses.
“Stuart brings broad experience following a well-rounded international career, which included significant time spent living and working in the USA; a key growth market for Carr’s.
“With his current role as finance director of a publicly listed company, Stuart’s relevant knowledge on developing financial and commercial issues will be beneficial in the development of future strategy.”