Mariane Hodgkinson

Food & Drink Technology gets to know Campden BRI’s new hygiene specialist, Mariane Hodgkinson, who will be responsible for providing advice and support on good hygienic practice, cross contamination, cleaning and disinfection and allergen management.

Describe yourself in three words:

Trustworthy, thoughtful and committed.

What’s your biggest professional achievement?

One of my biggest achievements was to be part of a great team that attained the first BRC Grade A* for Aston Manor Cider.

How did you get to where you are today?

After leaving university I headed to Europe from Brazil, firstly working in Portugal for a short period of time and then moving to the UK. Here, I had fantastic opportunities to grow my experience with every move I made.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I don’t have a routine as my role varies between projects. I could be supporting Campden BRI members with specific issues, providing training for the food and drink industry, or testing facilities and giving advice on equipment and cleanability. Every day brings a new challenge.

What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?

I have only recently joined Campden BRI but the company has a long and successful history stretching almost 100 years. During that time the company has evolved to become the largest membership based food and drink research organisation in the world, with over 2,400 members in 75 countries, with an annual £2 million research programme.

What is your pet hate?

Bad or lack of manners.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

To lead by example.

Who do you most admire?

My mother Ilsemarie, a fantastic hardworking businesswoman who brought up three children as well as working full time and graduating in law. She showed us every day that you should live by what you believe and always try to leave something better than when you found it.

Which words do you most overuse?

The words ‘note’ and ‘please’.

If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?

If I wasn’t working for Campden BRI I would love to open a small patisserie and produce lovely food.

Tell us something about yourself that few people know.

I really dislike aniseed and have a real passion for Egyptian history.

Any vices?

A good meal accompanied by a nice Amarone della Valpolicella.

What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?

Dedicating more time to help others. It is very easy to worry too much about one’s own troubles and forget to look around and see people in real need of a helping hand due to serious problems.

How do you relax?

I really enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I consider myself very lucky to have many special people around me who are a pleasure to be with.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who cared and tried to make a difference.

Related content

Leave a reply

Food and Drink Technology