Senior appointments in food and drink manufacturing
New finance director at Cherrytree bakery
Baked goods manufacturer Cherrytree Bakery has appointed a new financial director on the back of a recent expansion of the business.
John Meadowcroft, 54, has been promoted from financial controller, having joined Cherrytree almost five years ago.
Commenting on his appointment, Meadowcroft said: “I’m delighted to take on the newly-created role at an exciting time in the development of Cherrytree. As the business’s turnover has doubled in the time I have been here, with big plans to further increase production, it was felt the time was right for the appointment of a financial director.”
“My new role will be more strategic. Following the purchase of the building next door, which will add extra lines and shifts to the operation, I will also be part of a team looking at environmental issues such as carbon emissions.
His appointment followed a period of growth for the business, which recently acquired a 12,000sq ft building next to its headquarters in Burnley, Lancashire. The increased capacity will allow Cherrytree to expand its tray-back offer, meet additional demand and strike deals in new markets.
Managing director Mark Beaumont added: “John’s impeccable work ethic and the information he provides will fully complement the future expansion of Cherrytree. While we are still a family business, we needed to review the organisational structure to make us fit for the future.”
FoodCloud strengthens leadership team
FoodCloud, a non-profit that develops tech for help with food redistribution, has strengthened its leadership team to support the accelerated rollout of its food waste solutions across the UK and Europe.
Sheena Forde, who previously worked at a senior level in a number of UK supermarkets, has been appointed as partnerships director, while Angela Ruttledge joins as public affairs and stakeholder manager. Paula Doherty will step down from the board to take an active role in managing the innovation strategy for the company.
Iseult Ward, co-founder and chief executive of FoodCloud, said: “We are excited to announce these new appointments of such talented people as part of our ambitious strategic plan for future growth in the UK and Europe.
“We believe that our technology platform can help UK and international food retailers and food service companies make a positive impact on society and the environment, while also achieving their ESG and CSR goals. Our vision is for a world where no good food goes to waste. With this announcement, we are one step closer to achieving that vision and building a more equitable, inclusive, and circular food system by 2030.”
FoodCloud's new strategic plan will focus on expansion of its technology platform throughout the UK in collaboration with FareShare Go, and will extend its reach across Europe in partnership with international food retailers, food service companies and national food banks to support their ESG agenda and ensure they stay ahead of EU regulations in line with the EU Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan.
SAMW announces executive manager appointment
Scott Walker, former chief executive of NFU Scotland, has been appointed executive manager of The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW).
Walker takes on the role formerly held by Martin Morgan, who passed away in January of this year (2023).
Commenting on Walker’s appointment, SAMW president Ian Bentley said: “Scott joins a long list of excellent executive managers who have served SAMW over the years with Martin’s five years with the Association, in particular, marking a strong period of leadership for Scotland’s red meat industry.
“Having a person, in Scott, of such experience to now lead us forward is a boost for our members, especially following the untimely ending of Martin’s time with us. We look forward to working with our new executive manager as we seek together to keep driving our industry forward.”
Walker brings a wealth of knowledge to the new role, having spent the last 11 years as chief executive of NFU Scotland.
He added: “Advocacy on behalf of the industry has been a major part of my career over the last decade and I look forward to fulfilling a similar role on behalf of the red meat sector.
“I’m well used to working with politicians and officials in Scotland, Westminster and on the international scene, and will be seeking to do the same for SAMW, on behalf of what is a hugely important industry for Scotland’s economy.”
