Suffolk-based AtlasFram Group, the farmer-owned farm inputs purchasing and crop marketing business, has appointed leading City businessman Rodney Baker-Bates, MA, FICA, AIMC, FCIB, to its Board of Directors.

Mr Baker-Bates brings to the role his extensive financial and corporate management experience, together with core skills in strategic development, leadership and change management gained at the highest level in a wide range of not-for-profit and commercial organizations, including the British Broadcasting Corporation, Prudential plc and Midland Bank plc.

Currently a Director of C. Hoare & Co, the United Kingdom’s leading independent private bank, Mr Baker-Bates holds a number of other key positions. Chairman of the Stobart Group Ltd, which employs 5300 staff providing road, rail, sea and air transport and logistics to customers, he is also Chairman of the Assura Group, which owns and invests in primary care property throughout the UK. Chairman of G’s Group Holdings Ltd, a large, vertically-integrated grower-to-marketing organisation, and of EG Solutions, a leading provider of back office operational efficiency software, Mr Baker-Bates is also Deputy Chairman of Co-Operative Financial Services and a Non-Executive Director of London-based fund manager Bedlam Asset Management plc.

Mr Baker-Bates’ key strengths include a detailed understanding of financial and risk management, considerable experience of corporate finance and funding issues, together with the application of technology to achieve innovative product and service solutions. In addition, his expertise includes customer/supplier relationship management and business generation, the training, development and motivation of managers and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds and skills, together with specific experience in handling the complex relationship between the public service and private sectors.

Married, with a 33-year-old son, 66-year-old Mr Baker-Bates lives in Peasenhall, Suffolk and outside of work enjoys a wide range of leisure pursuits, including gardening, shooting, classic cars, the theatre and art.

Robert Rous, Chairman of the AtlasFram Group, commented: “I am delighted that a businessman of Rodney’s calibre and standing has agreed to join our Board. His broad business background, wide-ranging expertise and in-depth experience will be invaluable in taking our business forward.”

Based at Framlingham in Suffolk, the AtlasFram Group has an annual turnover of £150 million and purchases every type of input for around 1050 members farming over 300,000 hectares throughout the UK. Dealing directly with more than 1200 manufacturers, importers and local suppliers, with product quality and provenance paramount, it also markets Members’ grain, oilseeds and pulses.