Arla Foods announces new UK head as Ash Amirahmadi leaves for Sofina

Leading European dairy cooperative Arla Foods has announced the departure of its UK managing director, Ash Amirahmadi, who is leaving to become chief executive of Sofina Foods Europe.

He will be replaced by Bas Padberg, who is currently vice president of Arla Foods Southeast Asia.

Amirahmadi joined Arla Foods in 2004 from Unilever and has held a number of leading roles across the organisation. He was appointed managing director of Arla UK in 2018 and under his leadership the company has since then continued the positive growth journey of Arla’s biggest market as it grew into a €3 billion business.

“Ash has been an integral profile and leader in our UK business for almost two decades, and we are sad to see him go. I want to thank him for his service to Arla and our farmers during his five years as Head of Arla UK,” Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, executive vice president for Europe at Arla Foods, commented.

“He has led our UK business and organisation through a period with many disruptions like Brexit, the pandemic and inflation in recent years, and has established Arla as a leader within sustainability in the UK food industry. Perhaps his greatest achievement is that he leaves behind a strong team and a talented organisation who has been part of creating a leading food business, so the future is bright for Arla in the UK.

“Our strategy is a winning one and I have confidence in the next generation of leaders to steer Arla through the next chapters of our UK story. We wish Ash all the best in his new job.”

Amirahmadi said: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave Arla after a joyful 20 years. I complete my time both with a sense of sadness and pride. I will miss our farmers, our people and the deep friendships I have developed. It is people, relationships, and values that make organisations special, and the cooperation between our farmers and our colleagues gives us the unique culture of Arla.

“For me, the Sofina role is a big one and a different challenge which is what I now need in my career. I am and will always be grateful to have been part of Arla.”

Bas Padberg joined Arla in 2014 from Royal Friesland Campina to become managing director of Arla’s business in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, which he turned into the fastest growing branded market in Arla Europe.

“I am delighted that Bas has accepted the opportunity to lead our skilled and engaged UK organisation, because he is a highly-trusted leader in Arla with a long track-record of building and sustaining a strong people-focused culture,” Giørtz-Carlsen said.

“He is very experienced in creating value between our farmers and our strategic customers from his time in charge of our Dutch, Belgian and French business. I want to congratulate Bas on his appointment and am looking forward to working with him on delivering the exciting long-term strategy for our UK business.”

Amirahmadi will leave on 31 July, and Padberg will take up his new role on 1 January 2024. In the interim period until he joins, Giørtz-Carlsen will maintain the executive leadership of Arla’s UK business in close collaboration with the Arla UK leadership team.

Sofina Foods, a privately owned Canadian company, has a broad portfolio of branded and private label pork, beef, fish, turkey, and chicken products. In May 2021, Sofina expanded its footprint into Europe and the UK by acquiring a number of pork and seafood manufacturing companies. The pork division is one of the largest processors and suppliers of products across the UK and Ireland. The seafood division is the largest provider of chilled and frozen products in the UK and includes the iconic 200-year-old Young’s Seafood brand.

At Sofina, Amirahmadi will take over from the company founder Michael Latifi, who has been the chief executive for Sofina Foods Europe since 2021. Latifi remains the chairman and chief executive of Sofina Foods Inc.

Amirahmadi is a leading figure in the UK’s food, drink and farming sectors and is the current Chair of the boards of both Dairy UK and the IGD. Ash was awarded an OBE for services to the dairy industry in the 2023 New Year’s Honours.

Latifi said: “We are delighted to welcome Ash to the Sofina family. I am confident that Ash’s deep experience and reputation within the grocery and farming sectors will help us deliver ongoing success across our European operations and demonstrate our continued commitment to quality and innovation.

“Ash joins us at an important time for the industry. He will help Sofina Foods Europe lead the way in developing a more sustainable supply chain, capable of producing great-tasting, affordable and high-quality products for consumers and greatly contribute to our vision.”

Amirahmadi added: “I am delighted to be joining Sofina Foods and relishing the opportunity to work with Michael Latifi and the Sofina Foods Europe team to build on their significant progress in transforming the business towards category leadership.

“Sofina Foods has a track record of working in partnership with its customers and suppliers, developing sustainable and resilient supply chains, investing in its people, adding value to categories, and long-term commitment to social responsibility across multiple stakeholders. My experience in the UK grocery sector mirrors these values and therefore I am honoured to lead Sofina Foods Europe on the journey ahead.

“We are operating in a complex and challenging global market. I am humble and respectful of the task ahead and committed to playing my part, together with the Sofina family, to transform the food system.”