Ronan Lennon Capespan

Ronan Lennon, managing director of the Capespan Group's UK subsidiary, Capespan International Ltd, will leave the company in October.

Lennon's departure from Capespan International Ltd has been confirmed in Cape Town by Louis Kriel, CEO of Capespan's Fruit Division, who said that the Capespan Group was sad to see him leave the company after a long career with both Capespan and its predecessor, Unifruco Ltd.

Kriel also confirmed that former Univeg executive Alan Forrester will take over from Mr Lennon and will guide the Group's UK operations after its relocation from Sheerness.

'Ronan has worked within the Capespan Group both locally and abroad for the last 30 years and has made a tremendous contribution in the various positions that he has held,' said Kriel. 'Ronan will be leaving Capespan International in October but has agreed to assist the Board in the future on a part-time basis with certain selected projects.'

Kriel added that Mr Lennon's decision to leave related to the decision to relocate Capespan's offices from Sheerness, following the revelation that a large wind farm would be built in the area. 'We are in the process of locating new premises at present,' he said.

Capespan International Ltd moved its office from Farnham Royal to the Sheerness port soon after the establishment of the Capespan Group through the merger of Unifruco Ltd and Outspan International in 1999. At the facility Capespan International Ltd had access to significant cold storage space and a pre-packing facility which played a significant role in the company's ability to meet customer requirements for special packs.

Kriel noted that Capespan would probably move to the Kent region, adding that he was confident Forrester would guide the company successfully as it rolls out new strategies in the future.

Lennon declined to comment on his departure but confirmed that he would be assisting Capespan with project work in future.