News
September food and drink appointments round up
Krispy Kreme UK & Ireland names new president
Krispy Kreme named Guy Meakin as the new president of its UK and Ireland division earlier this month.
Meakin will take up the post with the Doughnut manufacturer in November after spending the past seven years at Pret A Manger.
The appointment was made to replace Jamie Dunning, who has decided to leave Krispy Kreme after two and a half years at the helm.
“I believe it is time for a new leader to take the business through the next phase of its journey and wish Guy all the best,” Dunning said at the time of the announcement.
Timothy Taylor’s poaches CEO from Chapel Down
Timothy Taylor’s announced the appointment of Andrew Carter as CEO on 4 September in order to replace the retiring Tim Dewey.
Carter will join the brewer from winemaker Chapel Down in March 2025 when Dewey departs.
Chapel Down is now undertaking a search to replace Carter, who joined the firm in 2021 and has drinks industry experience with brands including Bombay Sapphire, Penfolds, Chase Vodka, Bacardi, Strongbow and San Miguel.
"I am delighted to be joining the Timothy Taylor family-owned business at this exciting stage in its history,” he commented.
First chief product officer appointed at The Compleat Food Group
The Compleat Food Group announced that Mark Howgego had been appointed as its first chief product officer this month.
Having previously served as commercial and sustainability director at Bigham’s, Howgego is now tasked with asked with accelerating growth by maximising quality across the group’s categories.
With previous experience at Higgidy and Innocent Drinks, Howgego said there was so much opportunity for The Compleat Food Group to grow.
“With an ongoing commitment to quality and creating exceptional food, The Compleat Food Group felt like an ideal place to take the next step in my career, and I am looking forward to working with the company as it enters the next phase of its journey,” he added.
Bakkavor promoting UK finance director to CFO role
In early September, Bakkavor confirmed it is promoting UK finance director Lee Miley to the role of chief financial officer.
Miley secured the new role after current group CFO Ben Waldron announced he would be stepping down.
Waldron will remain with the firm until April 2025 to assist with the handover, with Miley due to assume his new responsibilities from 1 November.
“Lee has a wealth of experience both of our industry and our business which made him the standout candidate and his appointment will ensure we maintain the momentum we have recently established,” said Bakkavor chief executive Mike Edwards.
Roberts Bakery promotes new managing director from within
Roberts Bakery announced the appointment of Julia Banton as its new managing director on 19 September.
Banton, who previously served as operations director, is taking over from Bill Thurston who in turn has been named CEO.
With more than 27 years of experience in the food industry, she has worked in senior roles at firms including Northern Foods, Nestle and The Kraft Heinz Company in the UK and overseas.
“I want to share my expertise and best-in-class practices I have learnt throughout my career and continue to deliver them into the Roberts family business,” Banton said of the promotion.
