Typhoo Tea appoints new CEO to strengthen operations and drive future change

Typhoo Tea Limited has appointed Des Kingsley to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2019. The appointment sees Kingsley take over from Somnath Saha who stepped down in August of last year after a difficult trading period.

Kingsley has operated as CEO and Managing Director for over 19 years with extensive experience in business development, operational management, cultural change and company turnarounds. He brings a broad range of management experience from many food categories, both branded and own-label, including Fresh Produce, Seafood, Meat & Poultry, Ready Meals, Sandwiches and Cadbury Desserts.

Chairman Karan Paul says, “At a transformative time for the tea industry, Des’ appointment as CEO marks a new period of change for Typhoo. The Board of Directors are confident he can drive the business forward and unlock new opportunities for the future whilst focusing on delivering operational excellence.”

“His experience in global sourcing and establishing new supply chains across Europe, North Africa, the Americas and Asia will also bring a new strategic approach to driving supply chain synergies across International markets. We look forward to seeing where this leadership turnaround will take us next.”

On being appointed, Kingsley said: “I am thrilled to be working with the Typhoo team to tackle the challenges the business currently faces, developing new and existing prospects for the business, its brands and consumers. There will be a re-focus on its products, across both brands and own-label, as well as ongoing innovation and operational improvement. I am committed to ensuring that we build on such a vast wealth of brand heritage and carve a new future for the company, maximising our potential for success in this fast-paced, ever evolving industry.”

In his career, Kingsley most recently managed Thanet Earth Ltd which is the UK’s biggest single hi-tech glasshouse growing facility in Kent, where he oversaw significant expansion of the 55 hectare site. He has fostered comprehensive commercial trade partnerships with major British and International retailers. Additionally, acting as Chairman of the UK’s £6.5b Chilled Food Association, which plays a key role promoting technical standards, innovation and food science education in the manufacturing industry.