Stephen Keeley becomes Isle of Man Creamery managing director

Stephen Keeley has taken over as managing director of Isle of Man Creamery after serving as the cooperative’s finance director. His appointment follows the departure of Findlay Macleod.

Keeley joined the creamery 27 years ago and has worked with its farmer members, board, employees and customers. The company said this experience had given him knowledge of its operations across the business.

Dougie Coole, chairman of the creamery’s board, said Keeley had contributed substantially to the organisation’s development and brought commercial experience, strategic knowledge and a commitment to the farmers’ cooperative. The board, he added, was confident in Keeley’s leadership as the business entered its next stage.

Keeley said he was privileged to lead the creamery’s team. He said the cooperative would build on its previous work while developing what he described as a thriving and sustainable dairy sector on the Isle of Man.

The new managing director said the business had started a strategic review covering all areas of its operations. The review includes the product range, the way the value of its products is presented, particularly in overseas markets, and the features that distinguish Manx dairy production.

Isle of Man Creamery is owned by 28 dairy-farming families and employs about 85 people at its central facility in Tromode. It makes fresh milk, cream, butter and cheese from 100% Manx milk for customers on the island and elsewhere. The cooperative also identifies its grass-fed system, animal-welfare standards, traceability and product quality as characteristics of its production.