Elsoms Seeds announces key leadership promotions, underpinning their focus on customers, quality and innovation

Elsoms Seeds, the UK’s leading independent seed specialist, has announced significant leadership appointments. These changes ensure the business is well-positioned for the future and reflect Elsoms’ continued commitment to delivering high-quality seed and seed treatments to customers.

David Coop, previously Sales and Marketing Director, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Elsoms Seeds. Justin Solly has been promoted to Vegetable Sales and Marketing Director, while Toby Reich has moved up to Head of Agriculture. Dr Richard Tudor has been promoted to Research and Development Director, and Grant Hawkins takes on the role of Head of Marketing. Additionally, Robin Wood, Deputy Chairman of Elsoms, will lead the newly formed Operations Division, which unifies seed technology, seed treatment, seed production, and logistics, creating a streamlined team focused on delivering the highest quality seed.

Customer-first leadership focus

David Coop’s previous roles mean that he brings a unique combination of international, UK, technical, marketing and sales experience to his new position as Managing Director of Elsoms Seeds. Over the last eight years David hasworked across each of the Elsoms’ divisions and that insight means he’s now ideally placed to lead the business. David said,
“My focus as Managing Director will be to ensure we understand the needs of our customers and delivervarieties that help our customers stay ahead in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.”

Roger Keeling, Chairman of Elsoms Group, said,
“David Coop brings leadership, a wide experience and real passion for this industry to his new position as Managing Director of Elsoms Seeds. His appointment, and the wider changes, will enable Elsoms to build on our position as a trusted partner to UK and international growers and support our customers with the varieties and innovations that will help their farms to succeed.”

Delivering the products, information and results that customers need

Justin Solly is well-known to Elsoms’ vegetable customers from his previous role as Head of Vegetable Sales. His promotion to Vegetable Sales and Marketing Director will ensure his keen focus on customer service continues to be a priority for this department. Justin is committed to Elsoms’ record of providing superior varietal options, developed with direct input from the growers who rely on them.

In the Agriculture department, Toby Reich brings a wealth of arable industry experience to his new role as Head of Agriculture. Under his leadership the team will focus onproviding the industry with access to the best seed varieties and agronomic support, enabling customers to get the best results from the Elsoms portfolio.

As Head of Marketing, Grant Hawkins will drive a unified approach to sales and marketing across all businesses within the Elsoms Group. His appointment strengthens the company’s ability to connect with farmers and growers, ensuring that Elsoms’ innovations and the strength of its product ranges are effectively communicated across all its markets.

R&D innovation driving crop yields and productivity

In his new role Research and Development Director, Dr Richard Tudor will oversee the vegetable and herb, wheat, oilseed rape and barley breeding programmes. He’ll be responsible for supporting his teams as they drive the development of new varieties that meet the demands of an evolving agricultural landscape. Elsoms’ advanced R&D capabilities remain crucial in ensuring that customers receive the best varieties, helping them improve crop yields and productivity.

Delivering solutions and expertise for long-term success

These key leadership promotions, along with the focus on excellence provided by the combined Operations division, will ensure Elsoms Seeds continues to deliver on its aim of providing growers with the solutions and expertise they need for long-term success.