New commercial director of the Holstein UK Group is Michael Halliwell.

The Holstein UK Group provides a wide array of services to assist members and customers in breeding profitable, robust and productive dairy cattle. It includes Holstein UK breed society – Europe’s largest independent breed society which has been established for more than 110 years, registering in excess of 200,000 animals per year with a membership of more than 4500.

Also included is Cattle Information Service (The CIS), which is one of the leading providers of milk recording and health testing to farmers throughout GB.

The National Bovine Data Centre (NBDC) is also part of the Holstein UK Group. It collects, analyses and disseminates data for a wide variety of pedigree dairy and beef breeds, including Type Classification and Genomic information.

Mr Halliwell has a strong commercial and sales background with a broad network within the industry. He has experience in the genetics field, working with both elite pedigree and highly focused commercial operations which have given him knowledge of various production systems and business models required by the different dairy farming businesses.

He spent six years as business development manager for Worldwide Sires and recently has been in the role of commercial director for CattleEye Ltd, a tech start-up business.

Michael joins on April 3, 2023, and will report to CEO Melanie Harmitt. He will be working closely with key heads of departments including Janette Mathie and Dena Snidall, CIS; Meurig James, NBDC and Hannah Williams, head of events and marketing.

Michael said: “I look forward to joining the Holstein UK Group.

"This is a fantastic career opportunity to utilise my skills and network to shape and implement the commercial strategic objectives.

"I look forward to further developing the portfolio of products and services across the Holstein UK Group, creating commercial offerings for both the membership and external stakeholders.”

Melanie Harmitt, CEO of Holstein UK Group, added: “Michael was a highly impressive candidate for the position of group commercial director.

"His experience and knowledge of the industry, partnered with his commercial background, made him a great fit for the Holstein UK Group and we’re delighted to welcome him to our team,” added Ms Harmitt.