Mr. Peter Kemp OBE
1930 – 2016
Peter Kemp was born on 9 May 1930 and raised at Drighlington, West Yorkshire, Peter was always destined to join the family business, Yorkshire Egg Producers. Having been educated at Batley Grammar School, he went straight into the family firm, starting as a van boy and slowly working his way up.
After a spell of national service in Egypt, Peter fancied a career as an army officer, but was persuaded to stay in egg production, and by 1970 had taken over as owner and managing director of Yorkshire Egg Producers.
In 1972, the company joined forces with Thames Valley, launching the Goldenlay brand, which soon dominated the market. But, due to a conflict of interest, the two business separated in 1984, and Yorkshire Egg Producers was then acquired by Dalgety, later to become Deans Farm Eggs, with Peter staying on to oversee the integration of the two business.
Throughout this period, Peter maintained an active involvement with numerous industry bodies, having served as chairman of the National Egg Marketing Association for many years. He helped oversee the transition of the Egg Marketing Board into the Egg Authority in 1971, and was instrumental in establishing the British Egg Industry Council in 1986.
He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982 for his services to the egg industry, and in 1988 Peter was appointed Master of the Worshipful Company of Poulters.
Peter also played an active part in the global egg scene, serving as chairman of the International Egg Commission from 1991 to 1994, and then becoming its president. He received the Denis Wellstead Award for International Egg Person of the Year in 2002, and was granted honorary life membership of the organisation in 2012.
He also served as a selector for the IEC until 2010, responsible for selecting the future chairman and officeholders, and he represented the UK in Europe as a member, then president of European Union of Wholesale in Eggs, Egg-Products, Poultry and Game (Euwep).
Peter became known as an elder statesman of the industry, always supporting and mentoring others, and sharing his vast industry knowledge for the advancement of the sector, winning many political battles along the way through his combination of persuasive charm and Yorkshire grit.
His passions outside of business were sailing, racing out of Whitby with his friend Alan Saltmer, and cruising around the Greek islands with his wife Merle. Peter also enjoyed shooting and Formula 1 motor racing.