March 23, 2023

 

New global vice president appointed for Aviagen's technical operations 

 

Aviagen has announced the appointment of Alan Thomson as global vice president of Aviagen's technical operations.

 

Thomson succeeds Dr. Bryan Fancher, who will retire in September this year. He has assumed his new role effective from March 1 and will collaborate closely with Dr. Fancher over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

 

In his new position, Thomson will become a member of Aviagen's executive management board and reports to the chief technical officer of Aviagen Group, Dr. Alfons Koerhuis.

 

A native Scotsman, Thomson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Global Technical Operations (GTO) team. Throughout a career in the poultry industry spanning more than 35 years, 26 of which with Aviagen, he has served as global head of technical transfer, general manager of Aviagen UK Limited and regional commercial and technical manager, supporting customers across Western Europe.

 

Thomson has also held senior production and quality assurance roles with chicken and turkey operations in the United Kingdom and the United States including managing Aviagen's pedigree operations in the UK and leading the UK sales and customer support team.

 

Before joining Aviagen, he worked in farm and breeder operations management with poultry-integrated businesses in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and also studied poultry science and management at the Scottish Agricultural College.

 

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to lead Aviagen's global technical operations," he commented. "I have the utmost confidence in the quality of our products, our people, and our infrastructure, and remain focused on ensuring that we continue to provide quality-driven advice and support to our global customer base. I believe this to be fundamental and I'm determined to ensure we deliver consistent, innovative, practically-applicable value in what we do. The strength of our team lies in the contribution of our talented people and our commitment to work together for the benefit of our customers and our global industry colleagues."

 

Dr. Koerhuis added: "Alan will, without a doubt, lead the team with the same vision and leadership he has shown throughout his tenure with our company. He is deeply knowledgeable and highly respected by our customers and throughout the industry, and has the ability to inspire and bring out the best in others. He has my full support with every step in this important role."

 

Thomson will remain based in Scotland, the UK. A search will begin immediately to fill his current position as global head of technical transfer.

 

- Aviagen