Grace Foods UK appoints new managing director

Formerly general manager for the Caribbean food and drink supplier, Mitchell will report into the ehad of Grace Foods Intenational Andrea Coy. 

Commenting on Mitchell’s appointment, Coy said: “​I am delighted to announce this appointment and wish to congratulate Brian on his new role.  ​

Succession ​ 

“Brian has gained extensive experience in the Grace group over the past 18 years across a range of finance and operations roles and was promoted to the position of general manager on 1 June 2021 as part of the succession planning process to prepare him for this position of managing director. I know that he will provide strong strategic leadership, management, and direction to the business.” ​

Mitchell joined the Group in April 2004 as credit and collection officer and has worked in senior positions in Finance for Grace Kennedy before being seconded to Grace Foods UK as chief financial officer in April 2016. 

He went on to take the role of operations director with responsibility for Grace’s supply chain unit, distribution centre, Corwen factory and IT teams. 

Centenary​ celebration​  

The announcement of Mitchell’s appointment comes as the company celebrates is centenary. The brand saw its turnover hit more than £80m in the UK last year as it saw continued demand for authentic Caribbean street food. 

Meanwhile, Ornua Foods UK, the producer of brands such as Pilgrims Choice cheddar and Kerrygold butter, is to focus on its green credentials with the appointment of Nadia Bidzinska as its new head of sustainability.​ ​

Bidzinska — who will be based at Ornua Foods UK headquarters in Leek, Staffordshire — will help shape and drive forward the business’s sustainability strategy. Her appointment follows that of Dave Fitzgerald as group sustainability director earlier this year. Fitzgerald will work closely with Bidzinska in the implementation of Ornua’s Growing For Good, Sustainably strategy.