Kerr joins from Arla, where he was vice-president for cheddar & Mozzarella, managing multiple manufacturing sites across the UK, Germany and Denmark.
He previously held senior operational positions with The Cheese Company, Glanbia Foods and, before joining Arla, Milk Link, where he managed the Taw Valley and Crediton manufacturing sites.
“Reporting to Tim Smiddy, Crediton Dairy’s managing director, Brian will be a key member of the senior management team driving Crediton Dairy’s growth plans over the coming years,” said a spokesman for Crediton.
Capital investment
Crediton Dairy stated: “Brian will take overall responsibility for production, engineering, supply chain and health, safety and environmental. In addition, he will oversee our considerable capital investment programme.”
Kerr will be the third key appointment this year, joining after Mike Bell, head of engineering, who assumes his post in July. His responsibilities will include capital projects work. Steve Thorne is also joining as senior technical manager from this month, responsible for technical areas embracing operational and commercial functions.
“Steve, Mike and Brian will be key members of the Crediton Dairy senior management team in supporting our continued strategic growth and our ongoing commitment to new product development, improvements in quality, service and efficiency over the coming years,” Crediton Dairy said in a statement.
Milk Link bosses Neil Kennedy and Tim Smiddy led the management buyout of Crediton Dairy from Arla in May 2013. The company makes the brands Flora Pro.Activ, Moo flavoured, organic and white milks and Dairy Pride milks and creams.