NEW R&D MANAGER APPOINTED BY SEED SPECIALISTS

Specialist grass seed breeder Barenbrug has announced the appointment of Dr David Greenshields as its new research and development manager.

The appointment follows the departure of Jayne Leyland, who has left for pastures new after 13 successful years with the Bury St Edmunds-based business.

Having joined Barenbrug in May 2008 as regional sales manager for Scotland, northeast England and Cumbria, David, 33, is already a familiar face to many customers and is relied upon for his strong technical expertise.

Boasting a Master’s degree in Environmental Biology from St Andrews University in Scotland and a PhD in Plant Genetics from Edinburgh University, David’s technical and practical knowledge across golf, sports and amenity applications is now set to benefit customers nationwide.

Commenting on his new role, David says: “I’m delighted to take on the responsibility for our research and development programme. Having been very heavily involved in our Scottish trials programme, as well as having a special responsibility for developing the racecourse sector, I’m looking forward to transferring my work, knowhow and enthusiasm to the whole of the UK.”

With David’s solid academic background, he of course believes knowledge is key to finding grass seed solutions for the future. He adds: “I’m passionate about our trials, and applied research and development programme as it’s vital to answering the unique and changing challenges of the UK turf sector. I can’t wait to start working with customers in my new capacity and finding solutions to suit their needs.”

Managing director Paul Johnson adds: “This is a natural next step for David, who I’m confident will take our trials, research and development programme from strength to strength, thanks in particular to his technical skills.

“Barenbrug has made a significant ongoing investment in this programme and we’re excited to see how it evolves under David’s direction. However, Jayne contributed a great deal to its success and will be sorely missed – I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work and wish her the very best for the future.”

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