New Managing Director for Crown Pet Foods

Crown Pet Foods, based in Castle Cary in Somerset, has confirmed the appointment of Jean-Lin Pelatan as the company’s new Managing Director. He now assumes full responsibility for all interests of the market-leading pet food manufacturer in the UK and Ireland, following senior roles in the United States and Belgium within The Royal Canin Group – the parent company of Crown Pet Foods.

Mr Pelatan replaces Francois Demauge who is moving to Royal Canin’s headquarters in France as International Marketing Director for the Group’s worldwide operations.

Responsible for establishing the company’s new UK head office and production facility in Castle Cary, Somerset, Mr Demauge has played a central role over the past three years in building the UK market share of the company’s premium pet food brands – Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved. He spearheaded the company’s move into a new purpose-built facility in South Somerset, protecting the jobs of its existing workforce and providing new employment opportunities for local people. He has also overseen the successful programme to resolve initial production concerns at the new facility, working closely with the local community and The Environment Agency.

“Our move to new premises was not without its challenges,” comments Mr Demauge. “I’m delighted, however, that the company has now not only consolidated its position as one of the country’s most respected pet food manufacturers, but has also demonstrated its commitment to be a responsible, responsive and progressive employer in the local area. We have a highly motivated and growing workforce with leading-edge production capabilities that are the envy of our competitors, so I’m sure the company is now well placed to build on its success for many years to come.”

Mr Demauge and Mr Pelatan have known each other for many years, having both held senior management positions within the Royal Canin Group. Since then, Mr Pelatan spent several years as a Financial Analyst at the Group’s US operation in Missouri before moving to become Chief Finance Officer of the Belgian subsidiary in 2001 where, subsequently, he held senior sales and marketing positions. More recently, he has been responsible for Royal Canin’s Supply Chain in Europe, providing logistics, marketing and sales support for the Group’s growing list of European operations.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over the reins from Francois at such an exciting stage in the development of our UK interests,” says Mr Pelatan. “We share the same values and commitment, having both worked for The Royal Canin Group for many years, and I’ve already seen the enthusiasm and drive of our growing workforce in Castle Cary at first hand.

“We’re now approaching full production at the facility, our substantial investment in odour abatement technology is working well and we’re now well on track to meet our target for double-digit growth year on year – which is great news for everyone involved with the company, our customers and the local economy. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the regular and close dialogue with representatives from our local community and building on the developing goodwill that is so much in evidence and has helped to establish Crown Pet Foods as a major employer of which the area can be proud.”

The successful programme to address concerns expressed by some members of the local community, when the new facility in Somerset commenced production at the beginning of last year, has now been adopted as a model for all new production operations within The Royal Canin Group – including new facilities in China and Canada. It has also been highlighted in various presentations and briefings here in the UK as an example of how a manufacturer’s commitment and determination has helped to resolve such concerns from its neighbouring community.