ANM Group, one of Scotland’s largest and most progressive producer-owned farming, food and finance businesses, will welcome a respected Scottish businesswoman to its board in January.
Anna Mitchell has run the popular Castleton Farm Shop since 2008 — her main responsibility in the Castleton Farm family business — and brings considerable experience across the agriculture, hospitality and catering sectors.
ANM Group chairman Pete Watson said: “Anna’s remarkable combination of skills and knowledge mirrors the strength and diversity of the group. She has proven experience not just in agriculture, but also in hospitality and catering — evidenced through the ongoing success of her own business enterprise.
“I know her contribution will be invaluable as we work together to set the future direction of the group.”
Mrs Mitchell also supports husband Ross and his parents Murray and Rhoda who run Castleton Farm in the Howe of the Mearns, one of Scotland’s largest commercial fruit growers, while under her leadership, the farm shop and cafe in Fordoun, south Aberdeenshire has thrived, and was extended in 2013.
Coming from an Ayrshire dairy farming background, she worked for East Coast Viners Animal Nutrition in Drumlithie as customer services supervisor from 2003 to 2008.
“The group’s diversity means it is ideally placed to support members and customers from across industries and in the areas in which it operates, regardless of the considerable challenges in the economic and political landscape.
“The impressive knowledge and dedication of its staff continue to make it a success, and I’m honoured to be joining the board.” Mrs Mitchell said.
Welcoming the appointment, ANM Group chief executive Grant Rogerson said: “Anna’s strategic knowledge will be of significant benefit.
“Regardless of the difficulties we face — from Brexit uncertainty to market fluctuations — there are always opportunities to grasp, and the group’s contribution to, and importance in, the local economy is fundamental to growing our influence; representing our members; and strengthening their voice.
“I’m proud to say Anna joins a dedicated group of individuals who live and breathe our co-operative mantra — service, not self.”
Mrs Mitchell graduated from the University of the West of Scotland, known then as the University of Paisley, in 2002 with a BA honours degree in Business Administration, after completing an HND in Leisure and Recreation Management at Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC) in Ayr.
