Wynnstay’s chief executive stepping down after 21 years
THE chief executive of one of the biggest firms in Wales is standing down. Powys-based agricultural supplies and retail group Wynnstay has confirmed Ken Greetham will retire after 21 years with the company in July.
Mr Greetham joined the Alternative Investment Market listed business – which generates annual revenues of nearly £400m – in 1997, after the integration of Shropshire Grain and joined the board in 2008 when he became chief executive.
Following a competitive recruitment process, Gareth Davies, joint managing director of Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd, has been appointed chief executive designate and will join the board with immediate effect.
Mr Davies will take on the full role of chief executive following Mr Greetham’s retirement.
He joined Wynnstay in 1999 as sales manager for south Wales and became head of agriculture in 2008. A graduate from Harper Adams University, he began his career in agriculture at a large-scale beef and sheep farm before joining Kemira Fertilisers, where he worked for 13 years.
He is a director at Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, the organisation responsible for the development and promotion of Welsh red meat. He is also a member of the Welsh Government Trade and Supply Chain Working Group and the Welsh Government Rural Communities body, as well as treasurer of the British Grassland Society.
Commenting on Mr Greetham’s retirement, Jim McCarthy, chairman of Wynnstay, said: “He has led Wynnstay for the last 10 years with tremendous skills and judgement, and his contribution to the group over 21 years has been outstanding. We thank him for his leadership, particularly over the last two years, which have been some of the most difficult in recent history for the agricultural sector.
“Ken is succeeded by Gareth Davies, a highly talented individual and a strong team player who, like Ken, is passionately committed to the business. Under his guidance, we’re confident that Wynnstay will continue to develop and grow, extending its geographic presence and building its position in chosen markets.”
Mr Greetham said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Wynnstay and to work alongside a very talented group of people. I hand over my role to Gareth Davies, someone I respect and trust, and share the board’s confidence in Gareth’s ability to drive the group’s ongoing growth and development.”
Earlier this year Wynnstay celebrated its 100th year in agriculture.
Mr Greetham said: “Having been established as a farmer co-operative on January 17, 1918, we’re extremely proud that, a century on, the business remains true to its roots and farmer-focused.
“The firm foundations established in Llansantffraid by the founding farmer members have enabled Wynnstay to grow into a national business that now spans from Scotland through to Lancashire and Yorkshire, into the Midlands, Wales, and down as far as the south-west coast.”