Director positions at two bakery manufacturers and a software provider have been recently filled by a trio of industry experts.
With decades of experience between them, all new hires are expected to support their employers’ growth ambitions through new partnerships, strategies, and region consolidations.
Here are more details on the latest three appointments in and around bakery:
Ali Lyons, retail partnerships director at Cybake
Bakery software specialist Cybake has named Ali Lyons (pictured above with founder Jane Tyler) as its new worldwide retail partnerships director, assuming responsibility for the company’s Cybake ISB retail food production planning system.
Used by supermarkets and other large retailers such as Cooplands, this software helps improve availability, increase sales, and cut waste for in-store bakeries and fresh food counters, Cybake said.
Lyons brings many years of multi-site food & beverage leadership experience to the role, having headed up café and food to go divisions at both Morrisons and Marks & Spencer. “I am joining Cybake at a time of ambitious growth for the company,” she said.
“I have used the Cybake ISB solution myself to good effect for many years and I am surprised how many operators don’t have adequate planning in place; it is an essential part of the system. I look forward to working with existing and new customers to properly expand their outlets’ full potential,” Lyons added.
Rob Owen, UK & Ireland sales director at General Mills
The global food giant has appointed FMCG sector veteran Owen to take over from Simon Fisher, who has been promoted to commercial director and will lead the day-to-day running of its UK&I operations.
The appointment, effective from 8 August, is said to help further strengthen General Mills’ capacity to pursue innovative market-growth strategies in partnership with customers in the UK and Ireland. Among the company’s UK portfolio are the likes of home-baking brand Betty Crocker and healthier snack bar brand Nature Valley.
Owen joins from his role as managing director at Standout Field Marketing, having previously spent a 10-year tenure with Unilever occupying leaderships positions both in the UK and Central and Eastern Europe. “I am truly delighted to be joining General Mills, a company renowned for its exceptional people and outstanding brands,” commented Owen.
Tim Brett, managing director, Europe and Emerging Markets at Pladis
As part of the snack manufacturer’s realignment of regions from the start of next year, current Western Europe and Emerging Markets MD Brett is to expand his purview to span the entire continent.
Pladis currently operates in regions of Türkiye, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (TREECA) – its largest business – and Western Europe and Emerging Markets (WEEM). Beginning on 1 January 2025, it will realign its primary region as Türkiye and Central Asian Markets. Meanwhile, the Eastern and Western European markets will be merged into one region along with other emerging markets such as Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
“I’d like to thank Tim for his continued leadership and know his experience will be hugely beneficial in his expanded role overseeing all of Europe and Emerging Markets,” commented Pladis CEO Salman Amin.
Last month, Pladis appointed Emily Stuart as head of innovation for its UK & Ireland division. It has continued a strong NPD pipeline with its McVitie’s brand recently rolling out a new Signature biscuit range and Seriously Chocolate Digestives. Other Pladis-owned brands include Jacob’s, Carr’s, Go Ahead!, Flipz, and BN.
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