Suffolk based pet food manufacturer Skinner’s, has welcomed Des Smith to the company as managing director.
Des joins the company after spending ten years at Aspall Cyder where he was appointed managing director in 2011 and then CEO in 2012.
During his time at Aspall, the business grew from £11m to £40m and he was actively involved in raising new investment for the company which culminated in the recent sale.
Des will take over the reins from Greg Panter, who will be taking on a new role within Skinner’s as executive chairman.
Greg Panter, executive chairman for Skinner’s pet foods said, “I am delighted to welcome Des to the business. He is extremely well respected within the food and beverages industry and was responsible for growing the Aspall business by almost £30m.
“Skinner’s have ambitious growth and development targets over the coming years and I firmly believe that Des is best placed to take our business to the next level”.
Speaking of his new role, Des Smith said, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Skinner’s. I was initially attracted to the role because of its family run heritage and opportunities for growth.
“I actually grew up in Stradbroke, very close to the Skinner’s mill, so have always had a lot of respect for the company. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the business on the next stage of its development”.
