A major agricultural and engineering company has appointed an investment specialist.

Carr's Group, which is headquartered in Carlisle, has appointed Kristen Eshak Weldon as an independent non-executive director to join its board on October 1.

Kristen was, until recently, a member of the executive group at Louis Dreyfus Company, one of the world's largest traders of agricultural commodities, where she focused on innovation and investments in global agriculture.

As head of food innovation and downstream strategy, she led the group's investment activities in the agricultural technology and food technology industries.

Prior to this, Kristen spent 13 years at global investor Blackstone, where she was co-head of the London office for the company’s $75 billion hedge fund solutions business.

In a statement, Carr's Group said her experience will help support the development of its agriculture businesses and the wider group.

Kristen said: “The group’s market leading brands and focus on technology and innovation position it well for an exciting and prosperous future, and I look forward to supporting the group on the next stage of its journey.”

Board chairman Peter Page said: “Kristen brings extensive expertise in agriculture and a global viewpoint gained at one of the largest agricultural commodities businesses in the world, as well as strategic thinking and commercial discipline.

"Her experience will be immensely useful in guiding the group as it continues to grow market share and increase its range of value-adding products”.