Wendy Smith Lantmannen Unibake

Source: Lantmännen Unibake

Wendy Smith has joined the business this month

Lantmännen Unibake UK has appointed Wendy Smith as its new managing director.

Smith took over the reins this month following the promotion of Tim Robinson to chief strategy officer. He will also continue in his current role as chief operations officer for the UK, US & Asia Pacific.

Lantmännen Unibake said Smith has more than 15 years of leadership experience in businesses including Northern Foods, Samworths and Bakkavor.

She is described as “an avid foodie, with an inquisitiveness that extends from new products and trends to the technological and cultural impacts on the UK food market”.

The business added that her interest in food and experience in the industry made Smith well placed to take up the challenge of leading Lantmännen Unibake.

“As I join the global team based at the group’s headquarters in Copenhagen and take on this new challenge, I am pleased to be leaving my previous UK role in the very capable hands of Wendy Smith,” said Robinson.

“Wendy is no stranger to the industry, its opportunities and challenges and I have every confidence in her ability to lead the UK business forward.”

Smith said her focus would be on steering the business through the challenging economic climate and delivering on the current business strategy while looking at new opportunities. 

“As the custodian of a business, I believe my role is to support and empower the people I work with to do their jobs brilliantly every day,” she added. “This enables us as a business to deliver success through providing excellent quality products and experiences for our customers and the end consumers.”

“Lantmännen Unibake has flourished as a successful business under Tim’s leadership. Over the last eight years, he has built a strong business with a talented team, and he leaves a tremendous legacy as he progresses into his new role.”