Food and drink industry senior appointments
St Pierre Groupe unveils new managing director
David Wagstaff has been appointed as managing director of St Pierre Groupe, the bakery business.
Wagstaff who has led St Pierre Groupe’s US operation for more than two years, has more than thirty years’ experience in food and drink, holding commercial and management positions with global brands in America, Asia and the UK.
The news follows the successful buy-out process which saw the UK-based branded bakery business join the Grupo Bimbo portfolio earlier this year.
The St Pierre Groupe business includes the St Pierre and Baker Street brands and licensed Paul Hollywood brand in its portfolio.
Wagstaff said: “St Pierre Groupe is an entrepreneurial business that has achieved phenomenal success, both at home and internationally, using insight to develop brands and products that carry global appeal. Through its exceptional branded propositions, the business has made St Pierre the biggest brioche brand in America and the UK.
“All that is down to the fact that we have a stellar team based in the UK and US who work hard to create authentic experiences and drive brand awareness for our brands, worldwide. I am pleased to say that the leadership team at St Pierre Groupe remains largely unchanged following the acquisition, allowing us to continue to build our brands and drive growth with the unique St Pierre spirit for which our company is known.”
Paul Anderson of Meiko UK appointed new chair of FEA
Paul Anderson, managing director of Meiko UK, has been appointed as the new chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA). Emma Brooks, managing director of Quintex UK, has been elected as vice chair.
Anderson is taking over from outgoing chair Stephen Hobbs, director of Grande Cuisine. He aims to help it continue to find new opportunities for the training and development it offers. A particular focus of this will be aimed at widening training opportunities for younger staff entering the industry, to help bring in new blood.
“It is imperative that all of us at FEA continue to raise awareness of the support that the FEA offers,” said Anderson. “We can help the industry with enhanced energy saving measures and advanced technology to reduce carbon emissions.”
Packaging company unveils new MD
Vegware, the Edinburgh-based packaging company, is delighted to welcome Helen Mathieson as its new managing director.
Mathieson joined Vegware in 2018 as supply chain and operations director, overseeing all aspects of products from ideation and manufacture through to logistics and client services. Prior to this she was operations director at fashion brand Lyle and Scott.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead Vegware in its next phase of growth. I have been lucky to spend a great four years working alongside the company’s founder Joe Frankel, and I’m proud to be taking over the reins of this global brand. We have a fantastic team, exceptionally strong client relationships, and a lot of exciting innovations for 2023,” said Mathieson.
New director appointed at Reed Boardall
Yorkshire-based temperature-controlled storage and distribution business Reed Boardall has promoted Norman Hartley to transport operations director.
Previously head of transport operations, Hartley joined the business in 2006 and has progressed through various positions including operations shift manager and planning manager.
In his new role, Hartley will be responsible for reviewing and developing processes to drive efficiency and achieve organisational growth.
Hartley said: “Reed Boardall is a great family-based business to work for and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last 16 years here. I’m looking forward to this exciting and challenging new role and the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to help drive the company forward to continued future success.”
Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, storing and delivering frozen food from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets.
