Besmoke appoints new commercial director

Hitch joins the company from Moguntia Food Ingredients UK, where he spent the past four years as commercial director, developing and leading the business’s growth agenda.

Commenting on Hitch’s appointment, Besmoke founder and chief executive Huw Griffiths said: “Colin joins the team at an extremely interesting and dynamic phase in our growth. ​

“He has an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the food ingredients industry, a proven track record of building strong strategic customer relationships and is passionate about developing capability and nurturing talent.”​

Industry experience​

Prior to his time at Moguntia, Hitch has also held senior roles at Newly Weds Foods, CPC International and Bowman Ingredients.

On joining the Besmoke, Hitch said: “I am delighted to have joined such a talented and committed team. The synergies between my ambitions and those of Besmoke are what makes this move so exciting for me.​

“I believe that my unwavering dedication to customer centricity, ambitious and tailored R&D, a solid commitment to innovation and the identification of new and growth market opportunities such as vegan proteins, plant-based products and salt and sugar reduction technologies, aligns well with Besmoke’s values and growth ambitions.”​

Excellence awards​

Besmoke is one of the finalists in the Ingredients Manufacturing Company of the Year category for the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards 2021. Click here​​ to find out who else made this year’s shortlist and is in a chance of winning the title of Food Manufacture Company of the Year, to be revealed in a special online broadcast.

Meanwhile, US-based multinational General Mills has appointed Victoria Cobos to lead its supply chain operations across northern Europe as supply chain director.​​

She succeeds Emily Thom, who moves to head the company’s planning and logistics division to lead the team as planning and logistics director for Europe and Australasia.