Westland Horticulture has appointed Colum Donnelly as its new Technical Director, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and leadership from across the horticulture and fresh produce sectors.

Colum joins Westland from his most recent role as Group Technical Director of MM Flowers and Managing Director of Apex Horticulture. His earlier career includes senior positions at Bakkavor and Marks & Spencer, where he built extensive experience in technical excellence, product innovation, and supply chain leadership.

In his new role at Westland, Colum will lead technical product innovation across the entire group, ensuring the company continues to set the standard in horticultural excellence. He will help to shape and bring a fresh energy to our technical and innovation projects across all areas including growing media, fertilisers, controls, and seed. A key change to Westland structure will be to bring the Professional division under the stewardship of Colum. This will ensure a seamless approach to growing media, plant nutrition and additives programmes from grower to retailer, and ultimately consumer. Colum joins at the same time our new Research & Development Centre is fully operational. The state-of-the-art facility is focused on developing the next generation of medium, additives and plant nutrition.”

Colum Donnelly commented: “I am excited to be joining Westland at such a pivotal time for the industry. With the opening of the new Westland Research & Development Centre, and the company’s strong commitment to innovation, quality and consistency, there is a huge opportunity to shape the future of horticulture. I look forward to working with the talented Westland team to drive forward growth and technical excellence.” 

Keith Nicholson, Group Marketing Director, at Westland, added: “We are delighted to welcome Colum to Westland. His proven track record in technical leadership and product development will be an invaluable addition to the team. Colum’s expertise will ensure Westland remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering the highest quality solutions for both professional growers and home gardeners.”