Carlisle-based agriculture and engineering group Carr’s has announced the appointment of Kristen Eshak Weldon as an independent non-executive director.
She will join the firm’s board with effect from 1st October.
Kristen was until recently a member of the executive group at Louis Dreyfus Company, one of the world’s largest traders of agricultural commodities, where she focused on innovation and forward looking investments across global agriculture.
As head of food innovation and downstream strategy, she led the group’s investment activities in the ag-tech and food technology industries.
Prior to working for Louis Dreyfus, Kristen spent 13 years at Blackstone, the leading global investment business, where she was co-head of the London office for the company’s $75 billion hedge fund solutions business.
According to Carr’s, Kristen’s extensive strategic experience in creating and appraising investment opportunities, and knowledge of agricultural markets, will help support the development of the group’s agriculture businesses and the wider group’s future strategy.
Kristen said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Carr’s. The group’s market leading brands and focus on technology and innovation position it well for an exciting and prosperous future.”
Carr’s chairman Peter Page said: “Kristen brings extensive expertise in agriculture and a global viewpoint gained at one of the largest agricultural commodities businesses in the world, as well as strategic thinking and commercial discipline.
“Her experience will be immensely useful in guiding the group as it continues to grow market share and increase its range of value-adding products.”