After more than 27 years with British Baker owner William Reed, Lorraine Hendle is stepping down from her role as managing director in August.
Having joined as sales development manager on The Grocer, Hendle has been a defining force in the evolution of William Reed’s UK portfolio of websites, awards, magazines, exhibitions, and market research. This includes leading and shaping brands across grocery, manufacturing, hospitality, and retail including British Baker, Food Manufacture, Morning Advertiser, Restaurant, and Retail Week.
Her leadership has driven significant brand transformation, audience growth, commercial innovation, and cultural change, ensuring these brands remain authoritative, relevant, and future-focused in a rapidly changing industry. She leaves behind a strong leadership legacy, high-performing teams, and a portfolio of brands well positioned for continued growth and relevance.
In addition to her William Reed role, Hendle has been a passionate advocate for supporting people across the wider food industry, having served as a Trustee of GroceryAid and as a steering group member of Grocery Girls and Farm Africa’s Food For Good initiative. She also served on the board of the Association of Convenience Stores & Morning Advertiser.
Hendle said she wanted to spend more time with her family whilst she considers new opportunities.
“William Reed has been my professional home for nearly three decades, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together,” she commented. “I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding teams and brilliant customers, and of leading brands that genuinely matter to the industry they serve. It’s been an honour to have contributed to digital transformation, event creation and navigating fundamental structural change in the media landscape. I wish everyone at William Reed continued success.”
William Reed CEO Tracy De Groose said Hendle’s impact on the business and the food and drink industry has been significant. “She has led with passion, creativity and deep customer understanding, helping to build and evolve some of our most important brands. I’m hugely grateful for everything she has given to William Reed, and we all wish her the very best for this next chapter,” she said.
No comments yet