Senior appointments in food and drink

New head at global spirits firm

Global spirits manufacturer Beam Suntory has announced the appointment of Greg Hughes as its new chief executive, effective 1 October 2023.

He succeeds Albert Baladi, who departs after 12 years with the business, the last five of which he served as president and chief executive.

Under the succession plan, Baladi will serve as an advisor through year-end and will be engaged as a senior advisor for the company throughout 2024.

“It’s with an optimistic eye toward the future and extreme pride for all that has been accomplished that I have made the personal decision to step down and make way for the next leader,”​ said Baladi.

“This is a decision I have been contemplating for some time with my family, and given the strength of the company, clear growth strategy in place for the future and the right team in place, now is the right time to hand the reins over to my successor, Greg Hughes, and his exceptional leadership.”​

Hughes, who currently serves as Beam Suntory’s senior vice president, chief Growth & Brands officer, has more than three decades of experience in consumer goods across marketing, commercial and management roles.

Since joining Beam Suntory in 2015, Hughes led the company’s largest market as president for North America for four years and prior to that as general manager of North America. Prior to Beam Suntory, he served in roles with increasing responsibility at Procter & Gamble, Bel Brands USA and Kraft Foods.

“I’m humbled and excited as I step in to lead Beam Suntory into our organisation’s next chapter as we transform this business to achieve our ambition to become the World’s Most Admired Premium Spirits Company and accomplish our 2030 goals,”​ said Hughes.

Fermentation specialist creates new chief tech role

Mycelial fermentation specialist MycoTechnology has appointed Ranjan Patnaik, Ph.D. to the newly created role of chief technology officer (CTO).

An industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the fields of fermentation, strain engineering and bioprocess product development, Patnaik’s joins the business from Every (formerly Clara Foods) where he served as CTO.

His new role will see him tasked with aligning the research and development, food science and technical services teams under his leadership as MycoTechnology gears up for its next stage of global growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Patnaik said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up this new role with MycoTechnology at such an important and exciting stage of its journey. The potential for mycelial fermentation in food and beverage applications is huge and remains largely untapped.​

“MycoTechnology’s fermentation platform is based on highly sophisticated science and technology know-how and intellectual property assets, putting the company many steps ahead of others in this space and on a clear path to success.”​

Company Shop bolsters senior team

Surplus food redistributor Company Shop has bolstered its senior team with the appointment of a new marketing director and finance director.

Adam King joins as marketing director from Samworth Brothers, where he served as community director. He boasts more than 15 years’ worth of experience across the food and drink industry, including roles with Mars UK and Noble Foods.

In his new role, King will work to deepen Company Shop’s collaborative partnerships with retailers and manufacturers to help them unlock social, economic and environmental value from their surplus stock. He will also lead on helping the group provide more communities with access to high-quality surplus food.

“Having worked with Company Shop Group for several years in my previous role, I have already seen first-hand the significant difference the business makes by leading the industry in tackling unnecessary waste, and using it to support hundreds of thousands of people across the country,” ​said King.

“The opportunities to do even more are huge, and I look forward to working with colleagues, members, industry partners and wider stakeholders to champion the redistribution of surplus.”​

Joining the team alongside Adam is Sinead Healey, who takes up the role of finance director. She brings more than 13 years of retail industry experience to the role, with the last three years spent at Morrisons in various senior finance positions.

Commenting on her appointment, Healey said: “Company Shop Group is a fantastic business with strong values, and I am delighted be joining the business at such an exciting time.​

“It is great to be part of a team that is committed to reducing waste and doing the right thing – a challenge the whole industry needs to face into together. We have strong plans for growth, and I look forward to playing a role supporting the delivery of these of the coming months.”​