After it was announced earlier this week that Ash Amirahmadi was stepping down from his role as Managing Director of Arla Foods UK to become CEO of Sofina Foods Europe, the dairy group has revealed his replacement.
Bas Padberg, who is currently VP of Arla Foods Southeast Asia, will take up the role on 1 January 2024.
He 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,” said Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, Arla’s Executive VP for Europe.
“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 Arla on 31 July. In the interim period until Padberg joins, Giørtz-Carlsen will maintain the executive leadership of Arla’s UK business in collaboration with its existing management team.
