Food and drink industry senior appointments: Round-up
Sustainability manager appointed by BMPA
The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has appointed Lucas Daglish as its sustainability manager.
Previously senior category buyer and then group food and beverage policy manager at Whitbread, Daglish has more than 40 years’ experience in a variety of operational and senior food procurement roles.
He will work with BMPA members’ sustainability teams and provide them with advice and guidance on emerging livestock welfare standards, associated sustainability considerations, research initiatives and policy development across a range of livestock species.
Nick Allen, BMPA chief executive, said: “Lucas joins BMPA as the British meat industry faces profound challenges on the sustainability, health and animal welfare fronts.
“His deep understanding of global food systems along with an ability to foster connections and collaboration across multiple players will be vital in helping our members navigate the legislative, political and attitudinal challenges that lie ahead.”
Part of his remit will be also be to conduct benchmarking and review standards and practices relevant to end-to-end animal welfare, environmental sustainability, climate change and other emerging issues. He will also engage with relevant NGOs to influence programs, protocols and policies.
Commenting on his new role, Daglish said: “I am excited to join the BMPA team and look forward to building collaborative initiatives to deliver the existing and future sustainability commitments of BMPA members.”
New chair at Food Standards Scotland
This week saw Heather Kelman officially start her role as chair of Food Standards Scotland, taking over the role from ross Finnie.
A board member since 2015, Kelman has more than 40 years’ public sector experience, including 10 years as a dietitian and most recently as a strategic planner and senior manager within the National Health Service.
Commenting on her new role, she said: “I’m honoured to steer Food Standards Scotland through the next five years, and I will work hard to create a healthier national diet and meet the organisation’s targets.
“I look forward to working closely with stakeholders right across agriculture and the food industry and retail to create quality, healthy, sustainable food for Scotland, and address challenges. I want to thank the outgoing Chair for the excellent groundwork firmly in place to build upon.”
Neat Burger advisory board appointments
Plant-based food group Neat Burger has announced two senior appointments to help support its international expansion plans.
Jefferey S. Fried, former chairman of US fast-food salad chain Sweetgreen, and Joe & The Juice chief operating officer Henrik Fjordbak join the company’s advisory board.
Zack Bishti, co-founder and chief executive of Neat Burger, said: “These senior hires are a key part of our execution to become global leaders in the alternative-proteins arena.
"Between Jeff and Henrik’s expertise in nurturing industry-leading brands, along with Vincent’s prowess in delivering global expansion alongside a fine-tuned operations setup, we have a powerhouse team primed for Neat’s explosive entry into new markets.”
The appointments follow that of James Skidmore – former chief executive at Hain Daniels and responsible for brands including Linda McCartney Food – who joined the advisory board earlier this month.
Neat also announced the appointment of former Le Pain Quotidien chief executive Vincent Herbert as chief executive of Neat Burger USA, leading its expansion overseas.
Vincent Herbert, CEO of Neat Burger’s USA division, added: “Rarely do I come across a brand with as much ambition, energy and hunger as Neat. I am delighted to be joining such a rapidly expanding business and look forward to leading its retail and restaurant growth across the US.”
Burton's Biscuits boss to lead Compleat
Nick Field, former Burton's Biscuits chief executive, is to lead chilled foods powerhouse The Compleat Food group.
Field, who has spent the past six years at Burton's, will join the business at the end of June.
Paul Monk, executive chair at The Compleat Food Group, said: “We are delighted that Nick is joining us as CEO. He brings a wealth of management experience from his time at Burton’s, especially over the last six years as CEO where he has led the company through a wide-ranging transformation programme.
“That transformation was instigated by the sale of the Cadbury’s licence, which necessitated a strategic reset and rebuilding of the Burton’s business. This resulted in accelerated sales growth and increased profitability as well as significant cultural change and culminated in the successful sale of the company to Ferrero last year.
