Martin Kersh to Leave FPA & Take up Joint CEO Position at the Packaging Federation
Kersh has also announced his decision to pursue a long-held ambition to enter local politics – he is an active member of the Liberal Democrats.
His final FPA engagement will be at the FPA Environment Seminar on 29 October, where members will have the chance to meet up with him at a special farewell reception.
Mike Revell, FPA chair, praised Martin’s impact on the association over more than two decades: "Martin's contribution to the FPA over the last 22 years has been fundamental in securing the position the association finds itself in today. He has become a highly respected figure within foodservice packaging – recognised as the voice of the FPA across the industry.
"I wish Martin every success in his new role at the Packaging Federation and look forward to a continuing close collaboration between our two trade organisations."
Packaging Federation chair Ron Marsh welcomed the appointment: "We are delighted Martin is joining us as joint CEO alongside Dick Searle. His appointment will help the Packaging Federation to grow, building on the strong foundations laid by Dick Searle. Their skillsets are highly complementary, creating a perfect fit."
Dick Searle added: "After 19 years leading the Packaging Federation I suggested sharing with Martin the challenge of taking the Federation to the next stage of its development."
Dick Searle
Looking ahead to his new role, Kersh said: "The FPA and the Packaging Federation have long enjoyed excellent relations, and that will continue.
"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the FPA's Chair Mike Revell and the FPA Board for the positive way they received the news of my intention to move on – their support has been hugely encouraging. Both the FPA and the Packaging Federation are outstanding organisations with wonderful members. It has been an honour to serve the former for so many years, and I'm privileged to have been asked to do the same for the latter.
"I leave the FPA in an excellent position with an outstanding team and am looking forward to joining the Packaging Federation to work alongside Dick, who has so expertly built it into the force it is today."