ABP appoints new head of renewables division

Kenny was previously managing director for sugar and agri-industrials at agricultural commodities supplier ED&F Man, a role he held from August 2018 to April 2020.

Prior to his time at ED&F Man, Kenny has held a number of senior positions across agrifood businesses over the past 25 years, including Olam, Nidera and ADM. He will report to group chief executive Frank Stephenson in his new role.

Global experience

Commenting on the announcement, Stephenson said: “I am pleased to welcome Joe to ABP. He brings extensive global experience to the role and this will be instrumental in helping shape the future strategy and growth of Olleco.”

Olleco collects food waste and used cooking oil from the food service and manufacturing sectors for processing into bio-diesel, biogas and fertiliser.

Reportedly the UK’s largest refiner of used cooking oil into biodiesel, Olleco operates three anaerobic digestion facilities and a biodiesel-refinery. The company employs approximately 600 hundred people across 17 UK sites.

Kenny’s appointment followed a recent investment by ABP to improve and develop its workforce, while promoting food sector jobs to younger members of the industry.

Training and development

Last month saw the processor launch a new training and development programme to help upskill staff and develop new entrants into the food and drink industry.

The ‘Homegrown’ programme is the latest addition to the manufacturer’s Talent Academy that launched in 2016, which provides opportunities spanning from early career pathways through to leadership and senior development programmes.

Meanwhile, former Dairy Crest chief executive Mark Allen is to join drinks manufacturer AG Barr as an independent non-executive director and chairman designate, with effect from 1 July 2021.

AG Barr also announced that Zoe Howorth will join the board as a non-executive director from 1 July 2021.