Bury St Edmunds-based Treatt appoints David Shannon as new chief executive

A leading ingredients manufacturer has appointed a new chief executive.

David Shannon will start as Bury St Edmunds-based Treatt’s group chief executive officer and a director from June 3.

Taking over from Daemmon Reeve, he joins Treatt from Croda International Plc where he has held a number of senior roles, recently as president of consumer care and an executive committee member.

Mr Shannon has extensive experience in selling specialty ingredients in the B2B environment for the flavour and fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries worldwide.

He said: "I am honoured to be joining Treatt as CEO, a company that has a remarkable history of delivering excellence to its customers through sustainability, innovation and agility, supported by a unique culture.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone at Treatt to build on its strong foundation, unlock new opportunities and chart a path of sustained success.”

A statement announcing his appointment said Mr Shannon had a proven track record of sustainably growing businesses in dynamic markets.

He has spent 13 years in various roles in the USA, a key market for Treatt, and has recently overseen a new manufacturing project in China.

His experience includes global business management, setting and delivering strategy, optimising science and innovation to drive revenue growth, identifying new ways to maximise revenue and attracting, retaining and developing employees.

Mr Shannon has a degree in chemistry from Edinburgh University.

Ryan Govender and Alison Sleight will continue as interim CEO and interim CFO respectively until Mr Shannon starts.

Mr Govender will then resume as CFO and Ms Sleight as group finance and IT director.

Vijay Thakrar, chair of Treatt, said: "Following a robust search process that attracted a number of high quality candidates, we are thrilled that David is joining the Treatt team.

“He has highly relevant international experience delivering growth in an innovation led group, with a motivational and collaborative leadership style, which will enable him to lead Treatt through its next, exciting phase.

“The board and I look forward to working closely with David, Ryan and our leadership team as they focus on realising the full potential of Treatt following the investments of recent years.”