We are thrilled to announce that Dan Hewitt has been appointed as our new Managing
Director. He previously served as the company’s UK Country Manager and in the Restrain
Leadership Team, and has stepped into the global role following a year of strategic
development within Restrain’s oldest and most established market.
Hewitt brings over two decades of experience in the potato sector, with a career split evenly
between farming and processing. He joined Restrain in March 2024 to strengthen the
company’s presence in the UK – a move that quickly positioned him as a key figure in
shaping Restrain’s broader strategic direction.
“It was the technology that first drew me in,” Hewitt says. “With my background in farming,
sustainability and regenerative agriculture having products that are natural, safe and
environmentally safe, which offer such a scalable solution for our customers – felt like the
right fit. And after seeing the culture and capability of the team, I knew this was where I
wanted to grow.”
Now at the helm, Hewitt takes on leadership of a company that currently treats over 1.5
million tonnes of potatoes each season. While he acknowledges the scale of the opportunity,
he remains focused on people and process.
“My priority is steady, thoughtful growth,” he explains. “That means investing in our people,
our research, and our ability to listen, both internally and across our global customer base.
Restrain Connect is a prime example of that mindset. After three years of global testing, it’s
now changing the way growers approach storage, giving them access to real-time data and
actionable insight.”
Hewitt is also clear about what this next chapter means personally. “It’s a lot of travel right
now,” he laughs. “But it’s essential – meeting our customers, learning how we can do more or
do better, and understanding the nuances of every region we operate in. Europe remains a
stronghold for us, but the Americas are catching up fast, and each market brings its own
rhythm.”
As Restrain enters a new phase of global expansion, Hewitt is focused on building a culture
that supports both innovation and inclusion. “The best ideas come from our global team” he
says. “I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I believe in open dialogue, clear planning,
and making sure people enjoy coming to work.”
His message to staff and customers alike is simple: “Stand by. We want to do more, do it
better, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with this product and the people behind it.
And if you’ve got feedback, send it my way.”