Background: In a world struggling with multiple challenges, David will share a story of hope and resilience, explaining how the UK bakery sector has joined together to support colleagues in Ukraine, to bring a sense of normalcy back into this war-torn country, through the age-old tradition of baking.

He will also impart the learnings he has taken personally from his colleagues in Zeelandia Ukraine, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, focus and fortitude over the last two years, and how this has supported his own strategic development journey during a period of acquisition and growth in challenging market conditions.

Speaker:

David Amos started his career at International Distillers and Vintners (now Diageo) in 1984, developing his skills and management experience in various technical roles and also becoming a certified Wine Taster.

In 1992, he joined EDME Ltd/Anglia Maltings Holdings, becoming Managing Director in 2000, where he successfully grew the business through competitor acquisition and expanding global exports.

Since 2012, he’s taken the helm at Zeelandia UK, part of the Royal Zeelandia Group, based in Holland. As a major supplier of ingredients into the craft and industrial bakery sector, he has steered the company through the acquisition of James Fleming & Co, Kerry Fruit, and John Morley, adding these market leading luxury filling brands to the product portfolio. He is now focused on delivery of a future forward strategy, balancing significant commercial growth with a real commitment to sustainability.

David is a passionate and proactive supporter of the UK baking industry as past president of the ABST and current president (third and final time) of Association of Bakery Ingredient Manufacturers (ABIM). He is also a board member of the Food and Drink Federation and FEDIMA, as well as a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers (WCB).

Outside work, he enjoys art, surfing (badly), running (not so badly), and is actively involved in a number of local and international charitable organisations.