Frimley, UK, 2018-Jan-26
- New Chairman to focus on adoption of digitalisation solutions as key for food & beverage sector’s prospects
The National Centre, based at Sheffield Hallam University, is the sector’s flagship project. It was conceived in 2014 in order to increase the flow of young talent into the sector by producing graduates in Food Engineering, as well as providing a focal point to encourage further collaborative innovation initiatives between industry stakeholders.
The Advisory Board was set up to guide and develop the National Centre in order to maximise its impact across the sector. Keith Thornhill takes over as Chairman from Gavin Darby, CEO of Premier Foods.
Keith Thornhill comments: “I am delighted to take up this important position. I have been a member of the board since the Centre’s inception and am a passionate advocate of what the centre is doing.
“My role at Siemens, which focuses on working with food and beverage manufacturers to implement digital technology solutions that can drive productivity improvements, efficiency gains and flexible manufacturing capabilities, means that I will aim to ensure that the widespread promotion and adoption of game-changing digitalisation solutions takes place to deliver real benefit for the sector.”
Angela Coleshill, Competitiveness Director at the Food and Drink Federation commented that “FDF is delighted to welcome Keith Thornhill to the role of Chairman of the Industry Advisory Board. This flagship project demonstrates how the food and drink industry is able to come together to work with academia long term to deliver skills and innovation solutions for the sector as a whole. Keith’s leadership contribution and insight into the opportunities for productivity improvements through technological advances will be invaluable to the project and the Board effectiveness.”
The Advisory Board is comprised of key stakeholders from across the industry, including manufacturers and academic representatives.
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