Greendale appoints three new members to board of directors

The Greendale Group (FWS Carter & Sons), a diverse, family-owned local business, with interests in farming, fishing, retail, property and haulage, has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Martyn Youell, Tom Chanter and Richard Gibbons.

ffective immediately, these appointments will provide extra strength and stability to the board, helping to shape the business for years to come.

Youell brings over 15 years of experience in the fishing sector. As Commercial Director for Waterdance (the Group’s fishing enterprise), he has successfully overseen the expansion of the business, growing revenue significantly during his tenure, and is particularly proud of the recruitment of an outstanding operational team, improving efficiency and profitability. Youell has been a key figure in the strategic vision for the company and for the UK fishing industry, bringing valuable regulatory experience from his previous role at the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

"Martyn has outstanding people skills, great energy and an incredibly positive attitude," said Rowan Carter, owner and CEO. "He lifts everyone around him and when you combine that with his knowledge of fishing, we believe he is a perfect fit for the role.”

"I'm thrilled to join the Board of Directors at the Greendale Group at such an exciting time," said Youell. "The company's unique portfolio of businesses and its strong market position present a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to contributing to the board and helping shape the future of the Greendale Group".

Chanter’s 12 years of experience in the farming industry have earned him Farmers Weekly Award nominations and recognition as a leading voice in British agriculture. Since 2017, Chanter has overseen the cattle management at Greendale and has transformed the company’s beef and arable farming by focusing on efficiency, high welfare and profitability. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition of Willowglen Renewables and has successfully transitioned the company’s anaerobic digestion (AD) plant input away from arable crops to cattle dung, creating renewable energy to power Greendale businesses.

"Tom brings real enthusiasm for the farm, the AD plant and business in general,” said Stephen Gratton, Chairman. “His passion, his work ethic and his understanding of our roots in farming make him exceptionally well suited to this position.”

"I'm delighted to have been appointed a member of the Greendale Group Board of Directors," said Chanter. "My role means I’m uniquely placed to help Greendale’s farming heritage evolve as we work to become a greener business. I’m looking forward to being part of the company’s next exciting chapter.”

Gibbons, the newest member of the management team, joined Greendale just 15 months ago as Group Finance Director. A chartered accountant, he brings 16 years’ experience of working for both large corporations and small, independent businesses. Within a short period of time, Gibbons has streamlined the financial and management processes and led major acquisition and refinancing projects.

“Richard has a calm and sensible approach, a huge work ethic and, despite being with us for the shortest time, he has delivered some of the most important changes the business has seen in recent years,” said Robin Carter, Owner and Director.

“I’m honoured to join the Board of Directors of such a successful and well-regarded business, especially one with a proud history of farming and fishing,” said Gibbons. “I look forward to making a real contribution to the group’s future success and helping to consolidate its position as one of the pre-eminent family-owned businesses in the South West.”