James Taylor Steps Down as Farmer’s Choice CEO After 40 Years of Leadership

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James Taylor, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer of Farmer’s Choice Limited, has officially stepped down, concluding a transformative tenure spanning more than 40 years.

Mr. Taylor joined Farmer’s Choice in the 1980s when it was still a modest enterprise, having been founded in 1965 as East Africa Meat Products Limited. Under his leadership, Farmer’s Choice grew into a regional powerhouse, renowned for its innovation and unwavering commitment to quality in the meat processing industry.

Throughout his career, Mr. Taylor spearheaded the diversification of Farmer’s Choice’s product offerings, expanding beyond pork to include beef, lamb, chicken, and fish. Iconic products such as sausages, bacon, burgers, and various fresh cuts became household staples under his guidance.

One of Mr. Taylor’s hallmark achievements was the establishment of Choice Meats, an Export Licensed Halal Slaughter and Butchery facility created in collaboration with Norway’s Nortura cooperative in 2011. This initiative not only strengthened the company’s local presence but also positioned it as a competitive player in the international market.

From the beloved Smokies to its wide range of beef products, Farmer’s Choice has become synonymous with quality and reliability across Kenya and the broader East African region, cementing its reputation as an industry leader.

Farmer’s Choice operates a state-of-the-art Export Licensed slaughterhouse and processing facility in Kahawa West, Nairobi off the Thika Superhighway and is equipped with the latest cutting edge technology to ensure the highest standards of safety, hygiene and taste.

Mr. Taylor’s departure signifies the end of an extraordinary era for Farmer’s Choice. While stepping down as CEO, he will continue to contribute to the company, offering guidance to the Board of Directors and overseeing critical special projects. His legacy of innovation, operational efficiency, and customer-centric strategies leaves the company well-positioned for continued success.

Ms. Felisters Gitau Mutugu has been named as Mr. Taylor’s successor, assuming the role of CEO effective November 1, 2024. Previously serving as Deputy Managing Director—Commercial, Ms. Gitau brings over a decade of global experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.

Read: Farmer’s Choice Appoints Felisters Gitau as New CEO

Her immediate priorities include enhancing customer experiences, expanding production capabilities, and exploring new growth opportunities within and beyond Africa.

Ms. Gitau, with her forward-thinking leadership style, is expected to build on the solid foundation established by her predecessor, ushering Farmer’s Choice into a new phase of innovation and growth.