The appointment of Trevor Debenham as the new managing director of Plant-Ex Ingredients Ltd marks a significant step forward for the company. This transition enables Giles Drewett, the founder, to focus on his new role as CEO, concentrating on the organization’s ongoing global growth strategy.
Since its establishment in 2010 and its headquarters in Avonmouth, UK, Plant-Ex has transformed from a one-man operation into a medium-sized company employing over 120 people. The business now operates across multiple sites in the UK, Poland, and Turkey, showcasing its impressive expansion.
With ambitious growth targets set for the UK, European, and US food manufacturing sectors, particularly in the flavour and colour markets, Plant-Ex is poised for success. This comes after a substantial capacity investment exceeding £9 million, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and production capability.
Debenham boasts a solid background in the food industry, having previously served as business unit director at Somerdale International Limited, a dairy sector company generating £54 million in turnover. His expertise will play a crucial role as he assumes responsibility for various management areas, including operations, finance, HR, and ESG initiatives.
Meanwhile, Drewett aims to focus on product innovation, design, sales, and marketing, while also overseeing Plant-Ex’s international sites and global market opportunities. “I am extremely excited to have joined Plant-Ex as they forge ahead with their strategic goals. I am particularly keen on supporting the team to achieve their full potential. Taking Plant-Ex to a level in the marketplace where the company is the supplier of choice in the industry is the ultimate goal,” commented Debenham.
Drewett emphasized the importance of Debenham’s role, stating, “Trevor joins us at a crucial time for the company. We have invested heavily in plant and equipment to deliver growth of production capacity, but we also need to invest in our team, training where we can and bringing outside expertise in where we cannot.”
He added, “Trevor’s arrival brings a professional approach to running the organization while allowing me to focus on what makes Plant-Ex special – bringing exceptional colours and flavours to our most important partners, our customers.”