Case study
Dyson Farming
Managing Director
Opportunity
Dyson Farming is the pre-eminent commercial farming business in the UK. Extending to 35,000 acres and operating across a diverse range of enterprises, the business has made a remarkable journey since its inception in 2012. The recent investment in the ‘state of the art’ glasshouse complex to produce strawberries under the Dyson brand is just one example of their strategy to add value to all core enterprises and they want to develop this further.
Our approach
Working with a selection panel of the HRD and CEO of Weybourne Limited (Dyson Family Office) and the Chair and Interim MD of Dyson Farming, Eden led individual consultations to learn more about the business, culture and strategic growth objectives of the business and enjoyed healthy debate as we collectively shaped the candidate brief to fit the needs of the business.
After these consultations it was clear the Board wanted a Managing Director the lead Dyson Farming to be recognised as a force for good in British agriculture, strive to be the “best in class” in all that it does and position itself as a leader in using new technology and innovation, where possible leverage any synergies from the Dyson Group.
Our Research Partner and Managing Director led an extensive search process targeting and engaging with the very best current and emerging leaders in the agribusiness and food manufacturing industry both in the UK and internationally. This search engaged with over 96 possible candidates across 3 continents conducting over 20 interviews to filter down to a shortlist of 6 recommended candidates with an additional 2 candidates highlighted for consideration given their strength. The selection panel agreed to meet all 8 candidates (3 from overseas).
The results
After this extensive global search and selection process which included video interviews, farm visits and an interview with Sir James Dyson, the Dyson Farming Board appointed a hugely experienced fresh food Managing Director with the cultural alignment and agribusiness experience to deliver the Dyson Farming objectives.