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Eden Search

Introduction to

Eden Search & AB Agri

This is Eden

We are the leading specialist non-executive, board and executive search company focused across the global food supply chain.

  • Extensive industry experience, understanding and connections, locally and globally.
  • Passion and commitment for the sector is central to both the founder and business’ DNA.
  • Eden is an integral part of the sector’s success story – we champion the industry, making it a better place through our partnerships, connections, initiatives and the work we do with clients.

Our sectors

Vertically integrated across the Agri and Food ecosystems.

Agribusiness

Agritech Scale-Up
Data, Robotics & Automation
Seed, Fertiliser & Crop Protection
Animal Health & Genetics
Animal Feed & Nutrition
National Farming businesses

Aquaculture

Feed & Nutrition
Fisheries
Seafood

Fresh Food

Meat, Dairy & Poultry
Fresh Produce & Horticulture
Wholehead & Added Value

Food Manufacturing

Ingredients to Finished Product
Complex Food Processing
Alternative Proteins
Future Foods
Branded & Own Label

Executive Search

Why Eden

  • Industry leading candidate retention rate with those placed by Eden still in role or promoted after 3 years
  • Trusted globally by companies and leaders in our sectors to support them in their search for global talent
  • Support leaders through strategic change, offer counsel grounded in industry insight and build strategic networks for our clients
  • At Eden, every project is personal

Recent projects

Our search approach

No. 1 - Initial phase

Understanding your business

No. 1 - Initial phase

Understanding your business

Culture, Skills, Values, Experience, Strategy, Personality

No. 2 - Initial phase

Bespoke project design

No. 2 - Initial phase

Bespoke project design

Tailored to uncover the most relevant and best talent for the project

No. 3 - Initial phase

All about the research

No. 3 - Initial phase

All about the research

Market talent mapping
Networking
Candidate brief generation

No. 4 - Initial phase

Assess the talent

No. 4 - Initial phase

Assess the talent

100% Face to Face
The perfect balance - expertise, character and ambition

No. 5 - Final phase

Present the shortlist

No. 5 - Final phase

Present the shortlist

Market insight
Full candidate profile
Long list – future talent / networking

No. 6 - Final phase

Select the right talent

No. 6 - Final phase

Select the right talent

Design end to end interview process including logistics, psychometrics and referencing.

No. 7 - Final phase

Appointment

No. 7 - Final phase

Appointment

Negotiating offer and supporting the candidate through the resignation process.

No. 8 - Final phase

Post project support

No. 8 - Final phase

Post project support

Project feedback, induction support and ‘check ins’ every three months.

The benefits of our approach

We find the best talent

  • Talent identification beyond the most active
  • Ability to fully engage candidates
  • Confidence and discretion
  • Breadth of quality options presented

We deliver

  • Ideal interview preparation for client
  • Quality filtering at an early stage
  • Deliver the best fit for the company and role

Our track record

References

Steve Ellwood
Chair
Andrew Swift
CEO
David Fursdon
Chair
Shelagh Hancock
Chief Executive Officer
Keith Packer
Managing Director
Jim Godfrey
Former Chair

The team

At Eden Search, our talented team is experienced in, and personally committed to, finding executives to work in the specialist sectors that we serve. We have worked in, as well as recruited for, companies throughout the food and drink supply chain – turning our deep-rooted knowledge and cultural insights to the advantage of our clients.

Summary

  • Feedback and Questions
  • Next steps

Case study

Managing Director
Volac
Volac Forage and Additives, a newly established business within Volac International Ltd, focused on ruminant nutrition is experiencing rapid expansion across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the USA.  Following an initial meeting with the Chair and Group CEO, Eden successfully won a competitive tender process and partnered with the Board to appoint a Managing Director to lead the Forage and Additives division.

After detailed discussions with the Chair, CEO and family shareholders, it was clear there was exciting, untapped growth opportunities for the business and their products within the global marketplace. Whilst growth was a clear objective, the business needed to establish its own leadership team, processes and culture as it moved to becoming a standalone business unit. .

Eden’s search identified of 80 potential candidates operating in animal nutrition market in the UK, Europe, North America and the Far East. The Head of Research led the engagement phase targeting candidates with significant experience and expertise in scaling a specialist nutrition business. The search placed particular emphasis on identifying   candidates with entrepreneurial drive, a strong alignment with Volac leadership values, and the mindset to leverage the strengths of the wider Volac business. At the same time, the role required a leader capable of thriving with significant operational autonomy to shape and grown Volac’s Forage and Additives business.

The result:

Eden’s comprehensive global search produced a shortlist of four highly qualified candidates, each with different but relevant experience leading specialist international animal nutrition and genetics companies. Following a rigorous process involving three stages of interviews and assessments, a standout candidate was appointed.  With extensive industry expertise and proven leadership experience, the Managing Director is well positioned to drive Volac’s ambition to shape the thinking and unlock the full potential of ruminant nutrition across its international markets.

Case study

Wynnstay Group
Group Manufacturing and Logistics Director
Eden partnered with Wynnstay Group PLC to identify and recruit a Group Manufacturing and Logistics Director. Originally founded in 1918 by tenant farmers of the Wynnstay estate in Mid Wales and constituted as a farmers' co-operative shortly afterwards, Wynnstay is now a major supplier of products and services to UK farmers. The Group operates from three business performance areas- Feed and Grain, Fertiliser and Seed and Depot Merchanting and has a turnover of over £730m. As Wynnstay continues its growth trajectory and pursued strategic acquisitions, this leadership role was essential in strengthening its manufacturing and logistics functions, ensuring operational excellence, efficiency, and innovation.

Through in-depth discussions with the newly appointed CEO, Alk Brand, and his executive team, it became evident that the ideal candidate needed extensive experience in multi-site operations, a proven track record in leading transformational change, and a deep understanding of the agricultural supply chain. Cultural alignment was a critical factor, given Wynnstay’s longstanding relationships with farming customers and supply chain partners. Our search focused on individuals with a demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements while empowering teams and preserving the company’s values.

The result:

Eden’s targeted search process identified four highly qualified candidates with significant expertise in manufacturing and logistics within the agricultural and broader food supply chain sectors. Following a rigorous selection process involving interviews and assessments with the CEO, Chairman and executive team, Wynnstay appointed a candidate with the technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural alignment needed to drive the business forward. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting Wynnstay’s next phase of development.

Eden Search

Contact details

Our offices
Oakgate House,
25 Market Place
Wetherby, LS22 6LQ
0113 834 6634
Registered in England No. 07449318. VAT Registration No. 102 292949.