MLC names VP of corporate development, strategy and UK operations

MLC, formerly Mississippi Lime Co., headquartered in St. Louis, has appointed Blake Dell as vice president of corporate development, strategy and United Kingdom operations.

Part of the executive leadership team, MLC says it created this new role to escalate the company’s geographic and market expansion.

Dell will be responsible for leading strategic planning, acquisitions, investments, joint ventures and partnerships across all MLC businesses, including the company’s Singleton Birch business in Melton Ross, England. He also will serve as the executive director of Singleton Birch, as Richard Stansfield, current Singleton Birch CEO, will retire in June after 35 years with the company.

“We are extremely grateful for Richard’s contributions over many years of proven accomplishments,” MLC President and CEO Paul Hogan says. “He has been integral to the success of our acquisition and integration, which has enabled our teams to work together to enhance innovation, operational capabilities and sustainability. As we enter a new era of growth for both MLC and Singleton Birch, Blake’s skill set will be central to continuing to grow our international footprint and integrate our businesses into a unified family, delivering value through strategic acquisitions.”

Dell has nearly two decades of experience in strategy, development, planning and mergers and acquisitions. In his 13 years at MLC, he has held positions of increasing responsibility, such as finance, sales and marketing and corporate development. This includes leading the recent acquisitions of Singleton Birch, Valley Minerals of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Southern Lime of Calera, Alabama. Dell’s prior experience also includes positions within private equity and M&A advisory.

“I’m grateful and excited for the opportunity to further build upon our strong foundation and rich history as we look to expand into new geographies and end markets,” Dell says. “Our recent growth is a testament to the dedicated people throughout the organization. I look forward to continuing to work with the teams in the U.S. and U.K. to execute our strategy.”

Dell earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Saint Louis University. He serves on the board of directors for Origen, a mineral-based climate technology startup focused on carbon dioxide removal.