The book is open for what is the most important democratically elected job in the British dairy industry

On the 8th February up to 106 Arla district chairmen and vice chairmen representing 53 districts will be called to a meeting to vote in a new Arla AMBA board member to replace the ousted Jonathan Ovens.

This is without doubt one of the most important elected position in British dairying with the successful person effectively representing 25% of Arla’s total milk intake.

Whilst in theory any Arla member is encouraged to apply having been nominated to stand by one of the 106 elected representatives the successful candidate must surely come with some very special qualities and real calibre which should narrow down the runners and riders to only 2 or 3 with true ability, perhaps with the odd wild card.

One key tick box needs to be that the elected person has a detailed understanding of the intricacies of   how our rather unique relationships with retailers have evolved and be able to foster them.  Arla’s Commercial Team have chalked up a number of successes in recent months and they will be desperate to see a face emerge who can help them win business.  The last thing Arla need is for someone to be elected whose ambition eclipses their ability.  It’s not the time for confidence to triumph over ability and it’s not a trainee position with Russel playing coach and carer to a side kick

Then there is the need to bring 2,500 Arla UK members together and show real leadership in the next phase of Arla’s development not to mention the little matter of leadership through Brexit.

It’s going to need to be a strong person with experience in governance and calibre.  It’s a big job at a very important time both for Arla and the UK dairy industry.  The nominations book closes on 31st January.  Time to think carefully and fingers crossed the right people step forward.

Interestingly, last spring when both Ovens and Russel were both up for re-election no one opposed them, so no election, which says something.