Modern Baker, the Oxford-based healthy baking business, has recruited Innocent’s Kate Voss as its new chief operating officer.

Voss, who spent 13 years at the drinks firm working across supply chain management, operations and NPD, will be responsible for driving the ‘slow-carb’ baking brand’s five-year growth strategy, working with the senior leadership team and focusing on building relationships with suppliers and customers.

The appointment comes as Modern Baker starts talks with multiple retailers about stocking its prod-ucts.

The brand launched a range of sliced loaves a year ago, following 18 months of R&D with Campden BRI and Newcastle University to improve the quality of dietary carbohydrates.

Currently, its long fermented, clean-label breads, cakes and biscuits are sold in outlets including Planet Organic, Selfridges, as well Modern Baker’s café in Oxford.

Voss, who began her career at Sainsbury’s working in supply chain management before moving to In-nocent in 2005, said: “Helping shape the future of a brand that’s challenging barriers to healthier foods is such an exciting opportunity, especially when you look at the NPD pipeline that’s been built on nutri-tional  R&D.”

Modern Baker co-founder Leo Campbell, added: “Kate’s timing is perfect as Modern Baker steps up a gear, and her 13 years drinking Innocent’s tone, culture and ambition will sit well here.”

The business this week announced the start of a study into the impact of freezing on the health cre-dentials of bread.