Arla appoints new head of UK business

Arla Foods announces the appointment of Peter Gioertz-Carlsen as the new executive vice president for Arla UK with effect from 1 August 2014, replacing Peter Lauritzen who has decided to take a global role in the Arla Group prior to his retirement in 2015.

Peter Lauritzen, who has successfully led Arla’s business in the UK for the last seven years, has decided to step down as an executive vice president and member of Arla Foods’ executive management group. Peter will continue to work for the global business reporting to Arla’s CEO, Peder Tuborgh, before retiring.

“Peter Lauritzen has had a phenomenal career with Arla and has been influential in the growth and development that we have experienced in recent years. He has played an important role in developing our European cooperative into the sixth largest dairy company in the world. His experience and energy will be missed and I wish to thank him for all that he has given to Arla,” says Arla CEO, Peder Tuborgh.

Peter Lauritzen comments: “After 44 years of working for Arla, now feels like the right time to plan my future retirement. Working within the UK business has been one of the highlights of my career having overseen the merger with Milk Link and integration of 2,800 British farmer owners into our European cooperative as well as the delivery of the world’s largest fresh milk facility in Aylesbury and other significant investments.”

Peter Gioertz-Carlsen, who is currently executive vice president and head of Arla in Denmark, joins the UK business on 1 August.

“I am delighted that Peter Gioertz-Carlsen will lead our UK business. His significant commercial track record and experience heading up Arla in Denmark coupled with his strategic insight, impressive leadership skills and relentless focus on the delivery of results for our farmer owners, make him the right person to build on the success of his predecessor,” says Peder Tuborgh.

Peter Gioertz-Carlsen comments: “I feel privileged to be able to join the UK team as it’s such a dynamic and exciting market, offering significant opportunities. Contributing over a quarter of our global turnover, the business has already achieved many milestones including its undisputed number one cooperative position in the UK. I look forward to taking the business from strength to strength.”

He continues: “I have greatly appreciated my time leading the Danish business, during which we have significantly strengthened Arla’s relationships with our customers and consumers as well as generating growth for our farmer owners.”

Peter Gioertz-Carlsen will remain as executive vice president for Arla Denmark until the end of July. A search for his replacement is now underway.