Shaun Cavanagh retires after 40 years at Fisons and ICL
A particularly well respected figure in ornamental growing circles, including the plant raising sector, Shaun initially cut his teeth in the glasshouse salads sector and more recently used his wealth of experience to help launch ICL’s Specialty Agriculture division in the UK and Ireland.
Having gained an OND in Horticulture at Pershore College, Shaun joined Bedfordshire Growers before starting his career with Fisons Horticulture in 1976.
Initially working in the glasshouse sector he advised Humber Growers and others regarding Levington Growing bags. Working closely with leading plant raisers he was instrumental in the switch from 75litre bags to bulk walking floor delivery vehicles – a system still favoured by the sector today.
Promoted to Regional Sales Manager Shaun led Fison’s South West Horticulture and Turf & Amenity teams soon adding the Channel Islands to his area - servicing the tomato sector with shiploads of Levington Potting and Fenmere Growing Bags.
Following a ‘management buyout’ and subsequent sale of the business to Scotts followed by ICL, Shaun moved into Key Accounts and Export Accounts Business Development. Adding Ireland to his remit he has led sales of Osmocote and ICL plant protection products to the Potting Soil Manufacturers. Latterly he has played a key role in ICL’s new Specialty Agriculture division encompassing key soft fruit areas including Scotland and Kent.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have travelled widely inside and outside Europe, promoting and learning about horticulture,” says Shaun. “I have attended many Professional Business Group conferences, in many parts of the world, where the company’s influence stretches far and wide. I will miss the friendship, support and openness of all my UK colleagues.”
A keen runner, in 2008 Shaun joined five colleagues and completed both the London and New York Marathons for charity. In retirement, together with his wife Roz, he is looking forward to more travelling − this time to visit family in the States and is planning holidays to Australia and New Zealand in 2017. A keen cyclist, Shaun also plans to devote more time to honing his tennis skills.
For more information:
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