David Armstrong

Bako UK

Independent buying group Bako UK, which serves the bakery, catering and foodservice sectors, has appointed David Armstrong as chief executive.

Armstrong has 20 years’ experience within multiple grocers, such as Safeway, Marks & Spencer and the specialist off-licence business with names such as Thresher. In his role at Bako, he is tasked with taking the company to a new level that yields extra benefits to its co-operative shareholders and the group as a whole. As part of this, he will look at new product ranges, improved purchasing schedules, the Bako own-label brand and what all this means to the high street retail food outlet owner.

John Kelso

Double D Food Engineering

The new technical sales manager at Double D Food Engineering is John Kelso, who has been appointed to the role following the takeover of Double D by the Bonspiel Group.

Kelso has worked with Double D for two years in other technical roles, but is now the main contact for customers in managing site inspections and technical specifications on all aspects of mechanical and electrical design for the firm’s range of custom-built ovens, retarder provers, cookers, smokers and chargrilling units.

Kirsty Russell

It’s Nuts Free

Food manufacturer It’s Nuts Free has appointed Kirsty Russell, daughter of company founder Angela Russell, to its workforce. She joins the business as a management trainee. Kirsty Russell has a severe nut allergy, which prompted her mother to set up the business in 2002, after struggling to find safe food for her daughter to eat. In her new role, she will spend four days each week in the office and one day at college, backing up her practical work experience.

It’s Nuts Free manufactures flapjacks, cereals, confectionery and cakes retailed through Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, health food shops and independent retailers.

Karen Doyle

Glendale Foods

Manchester-based Glendale Foods has appointed a new sales development manager to co-ordinate its sales team and promote its manufacturing capabilities. Karen Doyle has worked in various capacities in food sales and marketing and has developed a number of brands in the UK and Ireland.

In her new role, she will work with Glendale’s existing trade customers as well as exploring new business opportunities across the industry. She will have special responsibilities for the firm’s newly-acquired Great British Pudding Company.

Simon Turner

Turkington Europe

Industrial bakery equipment manufacturer Turkington Europe has appointed Simon Turner as sales manager for the firm.

He will play a key role in the company’s long-term strategy to build a solid foundation in its core bakery market and related markets. Turner has over 30 years’ experience in the process equipment manufacturing market.