Gell, who arrived at I.T.S this month, spent the past seven years as the managing director of Naked Foods, a UK-based manufacturer of fruit and sweet preparations, sauces and fillings.
With many years senior commercial experience in the food and flavour industry, Gell is now responsible for looking after I.T.S’ larger customers, in addition to developing new business opportunities.
His expertise in fruit and flavours for the dairy industry will also enable to him to support the firm in growing its presence in that sector.
I.T.S founder Mike Bagshaw worked alongside Gell in the past, and both were keen to reunite.
“I worked with Mike Bagshaw in a previous flavour company where his tenacity, dedication and desire to succeed was very apparent,” said Gell.
“I saw I.T.S start, I saw the business grow, I kept watch, checking in every now and again, and then five years ago became a customer. The I.T.S customer service, their ability to ensure the customer is at the forefront of the business ensured I could not forget them. So, when the time arrived, I joined them.”
Bagshaw, who launched I.T.S in 2009 from his kitchen table, added: “These are exciting times for I.T.S with the opening of our fantastic innovation centre and expansion into new markets both in the UK and globally.
“Crispin is highly knowledgeable about the opportunities for natural flavours across a range of food and beverage categories and within dairy particularly. His drive and entrepreneurial spirit are a great fit for I.T.S and we are very much looking forward to him joining us.”
Following rapid year-on-year growth, I.T.S moved into a second site next to its original facility in Berkshire at the end of last year.
The new site features an advanced flavour laboratory, equipped with several creation labs, flavour sample bays and dedicated application spaces for bakery, dairy, beverages and confectionery.
The first site is now used for purely manufacturing and technical purposes, increasing production capacity.
