Nicholas Saphir to hand over chair of Omsco to Neil Kennedy
After 18 years at organic dairy co-operative Omsco, Nicholas Saphir will step down as executive chairman and hand over to Neil Kennedy on Monday 4 May 2020.
Saphir steered Omsco from existing as a small specialist organic producer group to become the world’s second largest dedicated organic dairy co-operative.
Nicholas explains: “Omsco has come a long way. From small beginnings Omsco is now a cooperative of 250 farmer members who produce over 50% of the UK’s organic milk supply. Our long-standing partnerships in the UK with Yeo Valley and Wyke and in the USA with Organic Valley (CROPP) have been the cornerstones of our success. Omsco’s opportunities at home as well as our added value exports to markets from the USA and EU to Australasia, place Omsco in an excellent position to take advantage of the future.
“Success is totally down to the readiness of our members to innovate. They have responded to market demands and standards, supporting a management team which is committed to seeing the future as part of a global market.
“I’m proud to have been involved with such a forward-thinking group of farmers, management and customers. I’m confident that, under Neil’s chairmanship, Omsco and its members will continue to prosper in an increasingly changing world.”
Kennedy has over 30 years of dairy experience and has previously held chairman roles within Rodda’s and Crediton Dairy, the latter of which he was also a co-owner. He has been a non-executive director on the Omsco Board since 2016.
Kennedy comments on his new appointment within the co-operative: “I am delighted to be taking over as Chairman of Omsco from Nicholas, who leaves the business well placed for the next phase in our development.”