Gardner, who has been with ForFarmers for 29 years and who was also a member of the group’s executive committee, is stepping down on 31 December.
Since the acquisition of BOCM PAULS by ForFarmers in July 2012, Gardner has been at the helm of UK organization. However, he had previously agreed to bow out when the appropriate time came, said the company.
CEO of ForFarmers, Yoram Knoop, said Gardner has been instrumental in ForFarmers becoming the leading feed company in the UK, with the integration of several acquired companies under his belt within that period.
The company has appointed Steven Read as Gardner's successor. Read is currently based in Lochem in the Netherlands; he is supply chain director for ForFarmers, responsible for manufacturing and logistics as well as purchasing and formulation at the group. ForFarmers said it is looking for someone externally to replace Read in that role.
Read also serves on ForFarmers' executive committee.