Finsbury appoints non-executive director

Speciality cake and bread manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has appointed Bob Beveridge as a non-executive director.

Beveridge, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, brings a wide range of public company experience to Finsbury from more than 30 years as a financial and strategic leader of blue chip companies.

He has held a number of non-executive roles, supporting and advising growing companies. This followed his tenure at own-label household and personal cleaning goods manufacturer McBride as group financial director.

At present, Beveridge is senior independent director of medical equipment firm Inspiration Healthcare, non-executive director at data cable manufacturer Volex and senior independent director of business consultancy Brady.

Group finance director

Beveridge also served as group finance director at both telecommunications firm Cable & Wireless Communications and business consultancy Marlborough Stirling.

Commenting on Beveridge’s appointment, non-executive chairman of Finsbury Food Group Peter Baker said: “On behalf of the board and the wider group, I would like to welcome Bob to the business. Our board is comprised of experts in their fields and Bob’s appointment is a strong addition and one that complements our current strengths.

“The recent reshaping of the board shows our commitment to having the expertise and capabilities to help build upon our strong market position, drive growth and continue to deliver shareholder value.”

Finsbury’s ‘transformation’

The appointment followed Finsbury’s transformation into a diverse, multi-channel” bakery group, claimed the company, which saw the manufacturer’s operating profit grow 4% to £8.3M in its half-year trading update.

Finsbury Food Group said the rise in profits followed six of its eight sites beginning to supply into the foodservice channel. This provided a “significantly broader speciality bakery range, from artisan and free-from breads, to snacking and sharing cakes”, it said.

Meanwhile, senior appointments by 2 Sisters and Weetabix lead our latest gallery of people moving to new jobs in the food and drink industry.

Bob Beveridge CV

Inspiration Healthcare: Senior independent director – Aug 2015 to present

Volex: Non-executive director and chair of audit committee – April 2015 to present

Brady:  Senior independent director – July 2013 to present

Institute of Chartered Accountants: Mentor – March 2012 to present

Internet Q: Non-executive director and chair of audit committee – April 2012 to May 2016

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Non-executive director and audit committee chairman – Jan 2012 to November 2015

Basingstoke and North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust: Non-executive director – May 2011 to December 2011

McBride: Finance director, company secretary, head of acquisitions and pension trustee – May 2006 to October 2010