Key people

Richard Ilsley

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Ilsley was appointed CEO and Member of the Executive Board of BIA Analytical in April 2020, with a mandate to develop a strategy for the business and to lead the commercialisation and start up process. Prior to taking up the role at BIA Analytical, Richard took on the challenge of being CEO of Knighton Foods Ltd, a then failing joint venture with Premier Foods, where over a 3 year period he was responsible for a complete turn around of the business which secured the future of it’s 400 employees. Other senior positions held by Richard include Managing Director of companies such as Dr Oetker UK, Hero UK and Supercook, plus Group Sales Director of Chaucer Foods where he championed the commercial turnaround of the business that led to its subsequent sale. In summary, Richard has over 30 years of experience in branded and own label FMCG and Food Ingredients industries, spanning sectors including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, ambient and chilled grocery, and freeze dried food and powdered ingredients. His experience of international markets includes living and working in the EU, Switzerland and USA, and in addition he has managed businesses and commercial teams located across China, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. Throughout his career he has been committed to building and developing strong management teams and has focussed on delivering the innovation, service and value expected by customers, while delivering required financial results for shareholders.