Industry movers: leadership roles reshaping the food and drink landscape

The food and drink trade is entering 2026 with a wave of high-profile leadership changes, as businesses across the supply chain — from global manufacturers to trade associations — strengthen their executive teams to navigate a complex regulatory and economic environment.

Executive leadership and strategic appointments

The Compleat Food Group: Sue Bell has been appointed as the group’s first chief technical officer. Bringing over 32 years of experience from Marks & Spencer, Bell will lead the newly unified Technical, ESG, and SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) functions at the board level.

UK DMO: the Deposit Management Organisation has completed its board with the appointment of Niamh Lawlor as chief financial officer. Lawlor, formerly of Poundstretcher and Tesco, brings critical experience from the implementation of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme.

Cambridge Nutritional Foods (CNF): following a comprehensive restructure, Ashley Farmer has taken the helm as CEO. Farmer brings over 20 years of experience from brands like The Body Shop and Avon to lead the company’s three newly diversified core brands.

McLaren Corrugate: the specialist packaging manufacturer has named Jennifer Riddell as its new managing director. Riddell joins from the Logson Group and will oversee the company’s corrugate division as it gears up for further growth.

Commercial and sales leadership

Geeta’s Foods: the UK’s leading Indian chutney brand has appointed Neil Gilbert as sales director. Gilbert’s background with challenger brands like BOSH! and Kiddylicious is expected to drive Geeta’s continued expansion in the ambient category.

Reiser UK: James Couldwell has been appointed as managing director, joining from ULMA Packaging UK. Couldwell will oversee business growth and customer engagement for the processing and packaging equipment specialist.

Servomex: gas analysis leader Servomex has appointed Ian Parry as key account manager for the UK, Nordics, and Baltics. Parry will provide specialist consultancy across the IP&E and P&S markets.

Sustainability and public affairs
Alupro: Phil Fenton has joined as public affairs manager on an interim basis, following Martin Hyde’s secondment to DEFRA. Fenton, an expert in packaging policy, will advise members on critical legislative changes, including DRS and EPR reforms.

Can Makers UK: John O’Maoileoin, group global sustainability director at CANPACK, has been confirmed as the association’s new chairman. He succeeds Tim Conybeare and will focus on showcasing the environmental benefits of beverage cans.

RECOUP: the plastics recycling authority has appointed Adrian Whyle as vice chair of the board. With 35 years of experience in the plastics industry, Whyle will help guide RECOUP’s strategic mission to advance plastic circularity.

Export and trade development
AHDB: To bolster red meat exports, the AHDB has appointed Henry Glover as senior trade development manager. Glover will focus specifically on growing opportunities for UK levy payers in the Asian and African markets.

Image (to left to right): Jennifer Riddell; Henry Glover; Ian Parry; Sue Bell; Ashley Farmer (bottom left); Phil Fenton; James Couldwell