The Executive Board

Making it happen

The Executive Board takes the strategy set by our Main Board and makes it happen, running the business on a day-to-day basis.

Graeme Beattie (Managing Director) joined Branston in 1982 and became MD six years later. Graeme was instrumental in gaining the Tesco account in 1990 and has overseen the development and growth of the business including a number of strategic acquisitions.

Julie McTurk (Finance Director) joined us in 1993. She is responsible for all financial and legal matters within the company and combines this with the role of Company Secretary.

Mark Willcox (Development Director) joined us from McKinsey and Co in 2003, after having led a 16-week lean production transformation project for us. He’s responsible for our continuous improvement and innovation, as well as overseeing our high care facility.

Richard Clark (Commercial Director) came to us in 1989. He oversees the planning and procurement of all of our potatoes, and is responsible for developing sales. He also sits on the British Potato Council Market Information Committee and British Potato Council Grower Panel Working Group.

David Nelson (Field Director) has been giving our growers technical advice and agronomy services since 1990. He also sits on the British Potato Council Research and Development Committee and the Tesco Nature’s Choice Technical Advisory Committee.

Jo Parish (Retail Director) joined us as a graduate in 1991 and, after a period as a Potato Buyer, took over responsibility for managing the commercial aspects of running the Tesco account. She is also responsible for PR and Marketing.

Simon Telfer (HR & Logistics Director) started working with us in 1996. After a period managing the Lincoln factory, he took on responsibility for Human Resources and Logistics.

Nick Turnbull (Technical Director) joined us in 1993 after completing his PhD. He’s now responsible for quality, technical standards and IT across all of our sites. He also oversees the operation of our Lincoln Production facility.