Doughlicious and OPRL headline appointment round up

Doughlicious appoints new managing director

London cookie dough snack manufacturer Doughlicious has announced the appointment of Russell Barnett as its new managing director.

With a number of years of experience within consumer packaged goods, Barnett most recently worked as managing director and chief marketing officer at My/Mochi Ice Cream.

He also helped scale up brands such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Popchips and KeVita, and was included in the Forbes ‘Next: 50 Game-Changing Leaders’ list.

Founded in 2014, Doughlicious manufactures a range of frozen cookie dough snacks, as well as ready-to-bake and snackable cookie dough. Its products are made using high quality ingredients that are free from gluten and added refined sugars.

The firm’s platform has grown quickly in the UK and across the EU and it now has plans to expand into North America, Australia and Saudi Arabia, a process Barnett will closely oversee.

Current stockists include Tesco, Waitrose and Ocado, while Doughlicious products can also be purchased directly online.

“This is a very exciting time for us, and we couldn’t be happier to have Russell join our team​,” said Doughlicious founder Kathryn Bricken.

“Russell’s incredibly strong expertise, progressive thinking and creative vision makes him the perfect partner to help us achieve our strategic growth for global doughmination​.”

Recycling label organisation OPRL tabs new chair

Recycling membership body On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) has appointed Dr Stewart Davies as its new chair.

OPRL labels are used by numerous food and drink brands, with 95% of grocery retailers in the UK displaying their recycling credentials with OPRL labels.

Founded in 2009, OPRL now has almost 800 members and offers a range of services that includes reuse/refill labelling that covers hospitality and B2B packaging.

Davies also functions as an executive board member at the Environment Agency and has an extensive background in waste management and sustainability.

Looking ahead to the new role, Davies said that collaboration was an essential part of OPRL's role in addressing “sustainability challenges around packaging​”.

“Customers trust our technical advice on recyclability, while consumers know that our label can be trusted​,” he added.

“Sustainability is increasingly vital for the reputation of brands and retailers, so OPRL is working hard to build on the assurance that enables our members to progress on circular economy packaging solutions.”​

Speaking on the appointment of Davies, outgoing chair Jane Bevis said: “His blend of leadership experience in commercial operations in the resources sector, and a deep knowledge of the politics and policy development in resource efficiency and sustainable packaging will be of enormous value in setting out OPRL’s strategy​.”

Heineken UK promotes new on trade sales director

Will Rice has been appointed as the new on trade sales director at Heineken UK following the departure of Stephen Watt.

Having joined the business in 2013, Rice has been working as interim on trade sales director for the past five months. Previously, he filled a number of commercial roles within on trade, off trade and Star Pubs & Bars, Heineken’s hospitality division.

The role is responsible for the growth of the on trade section of the business in collaboration with Heineken customers, while also promoting the new B2B platform eazle.

Heineken UK managing director Boudewijn Haarsma said: “His long tenure with Heineken across many aspects of our business brings a huge breadth of knowledge and leadership experience, which together with his energy and passion for the industry, means he is best placed to lead the on trade team.”​

Meanwhile, Rice described the opportunity to take up the role on a permanent basis as a “privilege​”.

“Growing in partnership with our customers’ businesses and ensuring our customer experience continues to excel, are key,” ​he added.

“Additionally, I’m really excited about helping to build my exceptional team’s skills and capabilities and continuing to drive their growth​.”

Sysco names Peter Jackson as European chief executive

Food and drink distribution firm Sysco has promoted Peter Jackson to the role of European chief executive.

Previously, Jackson served as the chief executive of Sysco Great Britain, with Paul Nieduszynski now stepping into that position in his stead. The respective heads of the business units in France, Great Britain, Ireland and Sweden all report to Jackson.

The changes will not result in any practical changes to Sysco's day-to-day operations, with Jackson now responsible for driving transformation and building high-performing, customer-focused teams across the firm's European market.

“I am passionate about improving every aspect of how our business operates, driving profitable growth while improving customer service and our colleague experience​," he said.

"Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of leading Sysco’s businesses in Great Britain and Ireland, where we’ve taken some great steps forward in working more collaboratively and sharing experience across the operating companies. I hope to continue that journey across Europe​."

In other news, Britvic has invested in the expansion of its Ballygowan manufacturing facility in Limerick, Ireland​​.