Bakers Basco has hired Richard Mew as its new general manager, taking over from Steve Millward, who has been in the role for seven years.

In his new role, Mew will be responsible for overseeing the company’s operations and recovery teams, strengthening relationships across the baking and associated manufacturing industries. He will also focus on technological innovations, such as GPS tracking, to further understand the bakery supply chain and reduce equipment losses and misuse.

Before joining Bakers Basco, Mew has working as a consultant to the food manufacturing sector. He has spent time as sales and marketing director at UK Snacks, general manager of Tesco Broadband and six years in senior buying positions at Tesco, as well as in a buying role at Waitrose.

Millward will continue to serve in a consultancy role for the foreseeable future before retiring, the company said.

“I look forward to continuing the great work that Bakers Basco has undertaken in recent years, as well as looking beyond 2019 to ensure Bakers Basco evolves to meet the requirements of our shareholders, partners and the bakery industry as a whole,” said Mew.

Joe Street, chairman of Bakers Basco, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have such a strong leader like Richard, with his vast experience in retail and FMCG, to take the helm at Bakers Basco and lead us through our next phase of development.

“At the same time, we would like to thank Steve for his contribution to the business, having been instrumental in building Bakers Basco’s public profile and raising awareness of the issues our bakery shareholders face everyday.”

The company was founded in 2006 to manage and license a pool of four million bread baskets and associated wheeled dollies for the use of bakers. Currently, around 25 bakeries, ranging from small to very large, pay a licence fee to use the equipment.