The dairy producer has appointed a new chief executive with his sights set on becoming «one of the top three dairy companies in the UK».
Ed Watts has taken the helm of Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, effective immediately, DairyReporter reports. The dairy owns both the Bavarian-founded Ehrmann and Cornish Dairy Co. (previously Trewithen Dairy) following its 2024 acquisition of the latter.
Watts steps up to CEO after 18 months as chief commercial officer, bringing more than 20 years of leadership across FMCG names including Johnson & Johnson, Reckitt and Mars, and most recently as UK commercial director at JDE Peet’s.
The move comes as the dairy builds on the integration of Cornish Dairy Co. — which had faced financial difficulties but has since moved «from red to green» after significant investment — and enters the next phase of its long-term UK strategy.
The group is focused on accelerating sustainable growth, establishing the German Ehrmann brand in the UK, expanding manufacturing and strengthening both branded and own-label dairy.
Watts will lead the long-term turnaround plan, including a new dessert facility due for completion by the end of 2026 and efficiency projects expected to deliver «significant» cost savings by early 2027.
«This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to lead a business with such strong foundations, exceptional people and genuine ambition», Watts said. «My vision is for Ehrmann Cornish Dairy to become recognised as one of the top three dairy companies in the UK.»
Watts’s appointment follows the departure of Paul Berne, who left the business at the start of the year for the sports sector and now leads Plymouth Argyle Football Club as its CEO.
Source: DairyReporter
