CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND — Patrick Donovan, former chief executive officer of Allied Mills and National Association of British and Irish Millers (nabim) president, died on Feb. 2. He was 90 years old.

After leaving school, Donovan joined the family flour milling firm Kings Mills at Knottingley, and served as an apprentice. He spent time in the army before rejoining the family business with his brother Denis.

He and his brothers continued to expand the business. In 1962, the family sold the company to Associated British Foods and became part of Allied Mills Ltd. Donovan was moved to some of the other mills in the group before becoming managing director of Allied Mills. He later became chairman and managing director.

Donovan was eventually named a director of Associated British Foods under the chairmanship of Garry Weston. He kept Allied Mills up-to-date and in the forefront of the milling industry. He expanded the group’s activities into starch production, grain merchandising, rice milling, grain import and export and maize milling.

He was very involved in the activities of nabim, serving as president from 1979-80 and again from 1987-88. For his work with nabim, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Donovan was invited to the U.S. on a few occasions to talk to the milling industry about modern improvements. He was married with three sons. Donovan’s nephew, Nick, son of his brother Noel, is currently group commercial director of Allied Mills.

The funeral is Feb. 24 with a requiem mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church, St. James Square, Cheltenham, England. It will be followed by a private cremation, family only.

Refreshments will be provided afterwards at Ellenborough Park Hotel, Southam Road, Cheltenham. The family requests no flowers, with donations instead to the Stroke Association and Age UK.