Mr Boyns’ appointment follows the resignation of the current MDC chief executive, Kevin Bellamy, who is to take up the role of executive director of the Global Dairy Platform in Chicago.

MDC Chairman Brian Peacock says: “The Council received significant interest in the position of chief executive which created intense internal and external competition to fill the role. Consequently, I am very pleased we can now announce the appointment of Ken Boyns, one of our strong management team, to fill the position and further the work presently led by Kevin Bellamy.

“During five years with the MDC Ken has been influential in the establishment of the MDC ‘Datum’ economics and market information service which is crucial to the work of the Council. We wish Ken every success with his new wider role encompassing the Council’s market development and farm management support campaigns."

Commenting on his appointment Mr Boyns says his focus will be in two main areas. “Firstly, we must ensure the transition to the new levy board structure is smooth, with as little disruption as possible to levy payers’ services. Secondly we must continue to build on the success and potential created over the past five years under Kevin’s leadership; to maximise the effect the levy can have on dairy farm profits, particularly in today’s difficult dairy market.”

TheCattleSite News Desk