The Milk Link Governing Board has announced that Barry Nicholls is to stand down as Milk Link's Chief Executive at the end of March. He will be succeeded by Neil Kennedy, currently Managing Director of Milk Link's Consumer division.

Commenting on the announcement Ronnie Bell, Chairman of Milk Link said, "Barry Nicholls has been Chief Executive of Milk Link since April 2000, a period during which we have been transformed from a fledgling milk broker into the UK's most progressive vertically integrated dairy products business. This is, in no small part, due to the vision, commitment and leadership of Barry. As such on behalf of the Governing Board, and I'm sure all our Members and staff, I would like to thank him for his invaluable contribution to our development.

"Barry was intending to step down as Chief Executive last year but was asked by the Board to stay on to oversee the merger negotiations. Now that this process has been concluded, Barry feels it is the right time to move on. He leaves us financially strong and well positioned to continue our growth and development. Barry will continue to act as a consultant to us and will retain an interest in the dairy industry through his chairmanship of The Dairy Council."

Commenting on his decision to step down as Chief Executive, Barry Nicholls said, "I'm tremendously proud to have been Milk Link's Chief Executive during a period which has witnessed our development into a highly successful farmer owned dairy products business. Of course, this transformation took place during one of the most difficult periods for the dairy industry and I would therefore like to pay tribute to the quality and commitment of the Milk Link's Governing Board, Council, staff and, above all, our tremendously loyal Members."

The Governing Board has appointed Neil Kennedy as Milk Link's new Chief Executive. Neil joined Milk Link in 2004 as Managing Director of The Cheese Company. He has subsequently been responsible for the transformation of Milk Link's Consumer division into a highly profitable and growth orientated business.

Commenting on his appointment as Chief Executive, Neil Kennedy said, "I am delighted to have been appointed as Milk Link's new Chief Executive. Through the hard work & commitment of our Farmer Members, our Board and staff, Milk Link has come a long way over the last eight years.

"I look forward to leading Milk Link into the next phase of our evolution. We are committed to adding value to our Members' milk; by focussing on our customers' and consumers' needs, and by investing in our factories and brands, we will continue to build a sustainable income for our Members."