People on the move
October food and drink appointments round-up
Macphie strengthens senior development team
Scottish ingredients firm Macphie has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new business development chefs.
Millie Tibbins and Roger Lomas join the company’s applications team under the lead of food application manager James Parker.
Commenting on the new appointments, James Parker said: “As a business we pride ourselves in our innovation and creativity and this can only continue to evolve with new talent coming into the company.
“Roger and Millie epitomise these values and bring new energy and relevance to our sweet and savoury products. Their past experience will support us on our journey to proactively collaborate with clients to deliver efficiencies using Macphie products, whilst remaining on trend and creating high performing products and dishes.”
Brains CEO to step down after 11 years with brewer
The CEO of Brains Brewery has announced his decision to step down from the role at the end of December.
Jon Bridge has been with the Welsh brewer for the past 11 years and spent the past four as CEO, guiding the business from a “perilous position” during Covid to becoming debt-free.
Nick Payne will replace Bridge from January 2025 having been appointed to the role of managing director at the Cardiff-based manufacturer.
Brains chair Richard Westwood paid tribute to the outgoing Bridge: “Jon has been integral to the resurgence of Brains Brewery. His commercial acumen and strong strategic leadership have been paramount to the brewery’s continued success.
“As an authentic, people-centric business leader, Jon is recognised for his integrity, transparency, and pragmatic approach. His unwavering ethical foundation has consistently impressed me. We extend our sincere gratitude for his dedication and invaluable contributions during his time with Brains.”
Damm appoints new MD of UK business
Spanish beer company Damm has appointed Luke White as the new managing director of its UK business.
White joins the business from Budweiser Brewing Group UK where he has spent the past 10 years working across a number of senior roles, most recently as commercial controller.
In his new role, White will be responsible for the UK growth of the brewers Estrella Damm brand, as well as its wider portfolio including Free Damm, Damm Lemon, Victoria Malaga, and Complot.
Juan Gonzalez, international business director, said: “Damm is confident that Luke’s leadership and deep knowledge of the UK beer industry, will bring significant value to our operations and support our strategic objectives and vision in the UK.
“His expertise will be instrumental in fostering a strong business culture and defining the future identity and footprint of Damm in the UK as we embark on elevating our brand presence.”
New CEO at Typhoo as tea brand hires former Burts Snacks boss
Typhoo Tea has appointed Dave McNulty as its new CEO, replacing Andrew Reardon.
Having spent two years as the chief executive of Burts Snacks, McNulty possesses widespread FMCG experience.
He has also held senior roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises and served as managing director at SHS Drinks for three years.
“I’m energised to be joining Typhoo at such a pivotal moment,” said McNulty. “Tea is undeniably a cornerstone of British culture. But what happens behind the scenes is largely unknown.
“We want to empower consumers, providing them with the tools to make informed choices when purchasing their tea. I’m really looking forward to working with such a brilliant team, and really making an impact.”
Asda announces two senior appointments as changes continue
UK retailer Asda has announced the appointment of two ‘senior leaders’ to bolster its executive team.
From early December, Lauren Lepley will take up role of vice president for central operations, while Mark Henry will join in January as a vice president with responsibility for Asda’s southern store operations.
Both will report to Asda’s new chief operations officer Matt Heslop, who joins the business in January from Lidl.
Heslop, whose hire was first announced during the summer, will lead Asda’s stores and depots operation in addition to supporting the growth of the Asda Express division.
“We are very pleased to welcome Lauren and Mark to Asda,” said Asda chair Lord Rose.
“They both bring a wealth of retail experience and proven track records in delivering operational excellence. This will be invaluable as we strengthen our business and deliver our long-term growth ambitions.”
WKD and Shloer owner SHS Group appoints new CEO
WKD and Shloer owner SHS Group has announced former Asda vice president and commercial director Paul Gillow is to take over as chief executive, following the departure of Arthur Richmond.
Richmond is to retire as CEO in 2025 after more than 28 years with the company. He will continue in his role into the new year, before transitioning to a non-executive position on the board.
Prior to his role as CEO, Richmond held the position of chief operating and finance officer and was in charge of the company’s merger and acquisition strategy. Since becoming CEO, he has focused on streamlining trading operations and establishing the executive leadership board.
Paul Gillow will join as SHS’s new CEO in January 2025, bringing with him more than 19 years of industry experience.
“I am delighted to join SHS and work with such a dynamic group to drive future progress and foster a culture that prioritises people and innovation,” said Gillow.
Quorn names new CEO
Quorn Foods chief executive officer, Marco Bertacca, to hand the reins to former Heineken UK MD after five years at the helm.
David Flochel – whose experience boasts a number of international leadership roles for food and drink giants such as Mars Drinks at Mars Inc., Selecta Group, and Heineken UK – will be joining Quorn next month as its CEO, Marco Betacca, steps down.
Commenting on his departure, Bertacca said: “I would like to extend a huge thanks to the entire team for all the incredible things we’ve achieved in the five years I have been with the business.
“Despite the challenges with overall growth in the last few years, we have improved Quorn retail market share, achieved yearly growth in our Foodservice & QSR business, and launched the new Marlow Ingredients business unit. It’s been a huge privilege and honour to have played a part in accelerating Quorn’s mission to tackle climate change through great tasting, sustainable food.”
Nestlé moves to 'leaner' board as new CEO reshuffles team
Food giant Nestlé has announced a series of changes to its executive board, in addition to publishing its Q3 financial results.
New CEO Laurent Freixe, who took up the role on 1 September 2024, said that a “leaner executive board structure” would increase simplicity and speed up decision making.
The changes, which will come into force on 1 January 2025, include merging Zone Latin America and Zone North America to create Zone Americas (AMS) and incorporating Zone Greater China Region into Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA), which will operate under the leadership of Remy Ejel.
Nespresso boss Philipp Navratil will join the executive board and report directly to Freixe, and David Rennie will step us as Head of Strategic Business Units (SBUs), in addition to marketing and sales.
Rennie is replacing Bernard Meunier, who will step down from the executive board on 31 March 2025, while sustainability lead Antonia Wanner will also now report directly to Freixe.
Zone Europe will continue to be led by Guillaume Le Cunff and remains unchanged.
Scottish Wholesale Association appoints new vice president
Bidfood Scotland business unit director Jon Mack has been appointed vice president of the Scottish Wholesale Association (SWA).
He will work closely with newly instated SWA president Tom Slaven as they champion Scottish wholesale, working closely with members to keep on top of the continuously evolving political and economic landscape and ‘ensure a successful future for the sector’.
Commenting on his appointment, Mack said: “I am honoured to be taking on the incredibly important role of Vice President for the Scottish Wholesale Association.
“It’s a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated professionals, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen and support the wholesale sector throughout Scotland.”
Macphie appoints new chief financial officer
Food ingredients firm Macphie has appointed former Nestlé Switzerland and Canada financial leader Angela Willows as its new chief financial officer (CFO).
Willows boasts more than 20 years’ experience in various financial leadership roles between Nestlé’s Canda and Swiss headquarters.
She will now oversee financial operations at Macphie, where her expertise in financial planning, digital transformation and strategic growth will play a critical role as the company looks to expand its footprint in ‘key international markets’.
Commenting on her appointment, Willows said: “I’m honoured to be joining Macphie at such an exciting time in its growth journey.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs – and that is where my true passion lies, using finance as a strategic tool for business growth and transformation. I’m eager to apply my experience to help Macphie realise its ambitious growth plans.”
New CEO to lead gluten-free bakery firm Genius Foods
Gluten-free manufacturer Genius Foods has appointed Stephen Hann as its new chief executive, effective from January next year.
Hann is to replace Adam Smart, who steps down from the board of directors following the successful completion of the optimisation of the manufacturer’s operations and product portfolio.
Under Smart’s leadership, Genius took important steps to stabilise the company’s operations, with a particular focus on developing the sweet treats and rolls category.
Commenting on his time in the role, Smart said: “It has been a rewarding challenge to lead Genius Foods through this period of reorganisation. With the strong foundations we have established, I am confident that Genius Foods will continue to thrive under Stephen Hann’s leadership.”
