Industry veterans join Macphie a non-exec directors, while Signature Flatbreads creates a new marketing team and Valeo appoints a group CEO.
Here we take a closer look at the latest movers and shakers in bakery:
Signature Flatbreads
A new marketing team has been appointed by Signature Flatbreads to drive the growth of its Deli Kitchen brand.
Aishling Hughes joins as brand manager for Deli Kitchen and Emma Morris as category executive, both reporting into Abi Nicholson in her new role as senior marketing manager. The new department will be headed by Tim Wittekind, head of marketing, NPD & innovation.
Hughes joins from Red Bull and will lead on future strategy and planning, while Morris joins from Jordan Dorset Ryvita and will focus on building collaborative relationships with major UK retailers.
“The Deli Kitchen brand is at an exciting point and strengthening our team with the expertise that these new appointments bring will ensure we remain a market leader and innovator,” said Wittekind.
Macphie
Norman Soutar and Jane Stewart have joined Macphie as non-executive directors.
Soutar has more than 29 years’ experience in the food sector, most recently as chief executive of the William Jackson Food Group where he more than tripled revenue and oversaw business disposals and acquisitions.
“To be part of the evolution and growth of a food industry leader like Macphie is something that I am very much looking forward to,” he said. “One of the firm’s core aims is to make life easier for chefs and bakers and this is something I can wholeheartedly get behind, having a passion for it myself.”
Stewart has more than 25 years’ experience in industry, private equity investment and corporate finance and has extensive experience of helping innovative businesses grow.
She holds non-executive positions in companies including Edinburgh-based waste tech firm, Topolytics and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. She was recently recognised by Innovate UK as one of the UK’s leading ‘Women in Innovation’.
“Macphie has a strong presence both locally and globally and I am excited to bring another perspective to help the team capitalise on forthcoming opportunities and deliver their major plans for the future,” said Stewart.
Macphie chairman Alastair Macphie added that Soutar and Stewart bring extensive business acumen and useful insights.
“Their invaluable experience and passion for the business will be a great benefit towards driving improved performance and growth across the board,” he said.
Valeo Foods
Valeo Foods, owner of food businesses including Matthew Walker puddings, has named Ronald Kers as group CEO.
Kers, who will take up the position in June 2023, is succeeding Seamus Kearney following his decision to step back from a day-to-day leadership role.
Valeo said Kers would bring a wealth of experience to Valeo Foods as a proven leader in the European food industry following time at Muller Group, and most recently 2 Sisters Food Group where he was CEO for five years.
“In his time at both groups Ronald has developed a uniquely broad set of capabilities that span category, geography, and a deep operational skillset, which position him incredibly well to drive the next stage of Valeo Foods’ evolution,” said Nigel Walder of Bain Capital, which acquired Valeo in 2021.
Kers said he was “thrilled” to be joining Valeo Foods.
“I look forward to partnering with the team to help realise the ambition of building a scale and growing platform of multi-national food brands” he added.
Kearney has been CEO of Valeo Foods for more than 11 years during which time he has spearheaded growth and expansion, including leading 18 acquisitions and transforming Valeo Foods from an Irish business to a major European food operator.
The board thanked him for his service to the business, adding that it looked forward to his ongoing contributions to the growth and development of the group as a member of the board of directors.
“While my role is evolving in the business, I remain incredibly passionate and excited about the future for Valeo Foods and I look forward to supporting Ronald and the Bain Capital team in a different capacity and as a long-term committed shareholder,” said Kearney.
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