AVIAGEN UK has appointed Blake Williamson its new general manager.

He succeeds Alan Thomson, who has become global head of technical transfer at the genetics giant.

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Mr Williamson has worked for Aviagen for 12 years in a range of different role and has served as general manager for the UK on an interim basis since January this year.

He is a qualified accountant with an MBA, and the company said he brings “a strong understanding of the Aviagen business at all levels of the production and supply chain”.

He said of his appointment: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the UK business, and have been impressed by the resilience of our employees, company and our customers in the current turbulent situation of a global health crisis.

“My goal is to further strengthen our relationships with our customers based upon our ongoing respect and trust as together we work to lead the industry through the current challenges.”