Yorkshire-based Soanes Poultry has recruited its next managing director from within the business.
Ben Lee, the current director of sales and marketing will succeed Nigel Upson when he retires after 10 years in his post.
Lee joined the family business in 2008 after completing his A Levels. He has worked in all areas of the business from production to sales in a variety of roles and was appointed to the senior management team as head of sales and marketing in 2019 and to the main board as director of sales and marketing in 2021.
“I have a great team around me and am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. I’m looking forward to developing the team and guiding the business sustainably to the next level for our employees and for future generations of the Soanes family,” said Lee.
Upson joined Soanes Poultry in 2012 and was credited with returning the business to profit in 2014 which allowed significant investment in infrastructure, quality, personnel and marketing. He will remain with Soanes in a business support role until his official retirement in 2023, with Lee assuming overall responsibility with immediate effect.
“I have every confidence that Ben has the necessary skills to deliver the next chapter in the 75-year history of Soanes Poultry successfully. He is knowledgeable in all areas of the business, is well respected by colleagues, customers and suppliers alike, and always has the best interests of the business at the heart of his decision making.
“Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to playing a supporting role as I plan for my retirement which will be spent resurrecting old hobbies, learning new skills, volunteering and exploring the UK with my wife,” said Upson, who also hopes to do some part-time consultancy work in the poultry industry.
