Case study
G.H. Chennels Farms Ltd – Managing Director
Managing Director
Opportunity
G.H Chennells is a family-owned Lincolnshire farming business operating across approximately 5,000 acres and producing a diverse range of crops for an established customer base. The business combines large-scale intensive farming with property, storage and environmental operations, creating a commercially and operationally complex business.
Given the ambitions of the Owners to step back from day-to-day management, the Board sought to appoint a newly created role of Managing Director/Farms Director to lead the business through its next phase of growth and provide long-term strategic direction.
The role required a commercially minded, hands-on leader capable of taking full responsibility for operational and financial performance, driving productivity and profitability, strengthening organisational structure and accountability, and preserving the family values and heritage of a successful multi-generational farming business.
Eden Search worked with G H Chennells Farms Ltd to ensure the recruitment of this key role was a straightforward process from start to finish, supporting the business and Directors at every step. From scoping out the businesses requirements to making the final appointment, the ongoing support was exceptional and added significant value. The objectivity, independence, skill sets and external perspective provided by the team at Eden Search provided just what the business required in recruiting and appointing this key role.
Ben Wills, Non- Exec Director
Our approach
After multiple meetings with the family and Non-Executive Directors, Eden undertook a targeted search focused on senior leaders within large-scale root crop and diversified farming enterprises. The search prioritised individuals with a blend of technical farming expertise, commercial acumen and leadership capability, able to operate effectively across both the operational and strategic demands of a complex and dynamic business.
The candidates were attracted by the scale, ambition and long-term potential of the business, as well as the opportunity to influence strategy and shape the future direction of the organisation.
The results
Eden successfully delivered a shortlist of high-calibre candidates, each bringing significant experience leading complex farming businesses and large-scale agricultural operations within family owned and managed businesses. This resulted in the appointment of an experienced Estate Director with over 25 years’ experience across arable farming, estate management and owner-managed businesses, providing the Board and the Chennells family with the leadership required to drive performance, and support its next phase of growth.