Rachel Kelley departs to join KTC Edible Oils as its managing director, with Ginsters MD, Emma Stowers, to take on the role of Higgidy CEO in the interim.
Kelley joined Higgidy in 2021 and over the course of her five-years helped expand distribution through new channels, including listings with British Airways and Gousto. She also oversaw Higgidy’s successful transition into Samworth Brothers following its acquisition.
She is set to move to KTC at the end of the month. The role represents the opportunity to navigate the food manufacturer and distributor through its next phase of growth, having recently been snapped up by Whitworths Food Group.
Stowers will take the helm following Kelley’s departure, while continuing her current role as managing director at Ginsters.
Stowers spent four years as marketing director at Ginsters before being promoted to MD at the end of last year. She has played a vital role in resetting the Ginsters brand strategy, including bringing to the ‘Taste the Effort’ campaign to market, which has delivered significant positive impact on brand equity along with sales and penetration.
Commenting on the announcement, Matt Austin, group chief brand and strategy officer at Samworth Brothers, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Rachel. She has played a key role in leading growth for the Higgidy brand and her vision and passion will be missed.”
He continued: “We are really excited about Emma’s new dual role. Emma has really driven Ginsters’ recent success and transformed consumer perceptions of the brand. Emma has really made her mark since being promoted to Ginsters MD and we can’t wait to see the results as she brings her expertise to Higgidy too.”
