Arla boss to join Sofina Foods Europe as chief executive

Amirahmadi leaves the UK’s biggest dairy cooperative to take over from Michael Latifi as chief executive of Sofina Foods Europe from 8 August 2023. Latifi remains the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Sofina Foods Inc.

A leading figure in the UK’s food and farming sectors, Amirahmadi is currently chair of the boards for both Dairy UK and the IGD. He joined Arla’s UK business in 2004 and became managing director in 2018.

Experience and reputation

Commenting on the announcement, Michael Latifi said: “We are delighted to welcome Ash to the Sofina family. I am confident that Ash’s deep experience and reputation within the grocery and farming sectors will help us deliver ongoing success across our European operations and demonstrate our continued commitment to quality and innovation.​

“Ash joins us at an important time for the industry. He will help Sofina Foods Europe lead the way in developing a more sustainable supply chain, capable of producing great-tasting, affordable and high-quality products for consumers and greatly contribute to our vision”​

Sofina Foods Europe, a subsidiary of Sofina Foods Inc, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for both retail and foodservice customers via its Karro, Young’s Seafood and Greenland Seafood subsidiaries and has operations across the UK, Ireland, France and Germany. 

Sofina’s track record

Amirahmadi added: “Sofina Foods has a track record of working in partnership with its customers and suppliers, developing sustainable and resilient supply chains, investing in its people, adding value to categories, and long-term commitment to social responsibility across multiple stakeholders. ​

“My experience in the UK grocery sector mirrors these values and therefore I am honoured to lead Sofina Foods Europe on the journey ahead. ​

“We are operating in a complex and challenging global market. I am humble and respectful of the task ahead and committed to playing my part, together with the Sofina family, to transform the food system.”​

Meanwhile, drinks giant Diageo has accelerated the appointment of its first female chief executive​​, after current CEO Sir Ivan Menezes’ hospital recovery suffers a ‘significant setback’.