Hodgson joins the Tenbury Wells food manufacturer from cake decorations business Nimbus Foods, where she had been business unit director since 2007.
Her initial responsibility will be to oversee the various accounts at the firm as it prepares for growth of its £20M turnover.
Orchard Valley Foods said she had demonstrated her ability to work with a team to “drastically improve” both turnover and profitability.
50/50 split
The firm’s board is now split 50/50 between men and women.
Roy Blendall has also been appointed as site planner, joining from Rich Products.
The firm’s md Mike Forrester said: “Orchard Valley Foods has been growing rapidly and consistently, so it’s important we have the best people in all positions.
“The appointments of Gill Hodgson, whose performance we have observed with admiration, and Roy Blendell whom we are delighted has joined us from one of our key customers, are exactly the calibre of new team members we look for.”
Earlier this year, Orchard Valley Foods acquired Food Ingredients International.