Ben Newton
Having cut his teeth in corporate finance advisory, Ben joined Tom as a partner at a private equity fund before forming the Yeo Ventures team. Born in Yorkshire, he calls a spade a spade, which is good given he is also a qualified horticulturalist. Ben is passionate about using his energy and experience to disrupt the industrialised food system.
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Tom Wright
After joining Yeo Valley as a non-executive director, Tom started Yeo Ventures in 2016 and has been investing in (and running!) positive impact businesses since then. Having held various roles across Yeo Valley over the years, he is currently CEO of Yeo Valley Limited, as well as a NED of the Farming and Production businesses. Before Yeo Valley, Tom spent fifteen years working in strategy and finance in London, initially with a big four accountancy firm and then as a partner in a private equity firm. Tom recently moved to Somerset with his wife and three children.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Christopher Gale
Chris is an experienced M&A advisor holding roles at Spayne Lindsay & Co. and Grant Thornton UK LLP, with a deep understanding of the challenger brand industry and an extensive network across the UK early-stage funding landscape. Chris led Yeo Ventures’ investment in Origin Coffee and TRIBE, and provides on-going strategic support to both businesses in a board-observer capacity.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Matt Jeffs
Matt specialises in regenerative agriculture and supply chain innovation, bringing a wealth of experience from former roles at a Bristol-based corporate finance boutique and Ernst & Young LLP. Matt led Yeo Ventures’ investment in Binit, Natcap and Omega Crop, and is passionate about nature protection, as well as promoting fairness and transparency in the food system.
INVESTMENT MANAGER