Jon Jenkins appointed CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients

Müller has announced that Patrick Müller has stepped down as CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) after two years in the role.

Jon Jenkins, formerly CEO of Allied Milling and Baking and managing director of Twinings UK and Ireland, has succeeded Müller.

Patrick Müller will work with Jenkins to achieve a smooth transition for the next two months and will continue to lead Müller’s home delivery business Milk & More as CEO, becoming co-owner.

Last year, UK-based MMI launched a £100 million cost and margin improvement programme in the UK, in a move to “return to sustainable levels of profitability”.

Called Project Darwin, the initiative includes a comprehensive review of every aspect of MMI’s operations – including logistics, back office and people organisation – in order to simplify the business, reduce costs and further improve customer focus and accountability.

In July, the business announced the closure of its facility in Foston, UK, in part due to the “declining consumption” of fresh milk.

“I have been deeply impressed and inspired by the relentless effort that our MMI and Müller colleagues have put into this turnaround and I am grateful to have worked with such a dedicated and talented team,” said Patrick Müller.

“I would also like to thank farmers and customers for their support and their contribution during my time as CEO. Britain’s love of fresh milk is very much alive and well and I believe that it can be secured for future generations if all three parts of the supply chain work together.

“But there’s still a lot of work to be done. One of the main challenges in the months and years ahead will be to establish the sustainable cost structures required to be successful as a private label business in the long term.”

Jon Jenkins said: “It’s clear that strong progress has been made and that Patrick leaves behind an excellent board and team. I am looking forward to helping my colleagues at MMI to write the next chapter in its journey, and with their continuing commitment I know that we can secure a profitable and successful future.”