Industry moves: senior appointments

A wave of senior appointments across the food, drink and packaging sectors is setting the tone for a year of accelerated growth, international expansion and renewed focus on innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.

Lesaffre strengthens baking leadership with Edouard Gestat
Lesaffre has appointed Edouard Gestat as marketing director for baking with Lesaffre, succeeding Thomas Lesaffre following his move to Fermentis. Gestat’s 24‑year career in food ingredients — including senior roles at Kerry and two CEO positions within Biospringer — made him the natural choice to lead the Group’s global baking activity.

Gestat will oversee innovation, technical support and the global Baking Center network, with a mandate to reinforce Lesaffre’s position as a trusted partner for industrial and artisanal bakers.

He said: “I am honoured to build upon the development and achievements of Thomas Lesaffre… it is our technical mastery, pioneering R&D, and innovative mindset that will distinguish us – not only in traditional baking, but also in pioneering new frontiers.”

Alland & Robert elevates Violaine Fauvarque to executive leadership
Natural gums specialist Alland & Robert has promoted Violaine Fauvarque to director of marketing, communication and CSR, joining the company’s management committee. With more than 12 years at the business and a track record in launching natural ingredient solutions and structuring the company’s CSR strategy, Fauvarque will now lead brand development and sustainability acceleration.

She said: “This new chapter represents an exciting opportunity to contribute further to the growth of the company by stimulating innovation and highlighting the exceptional expertise that characterises us.”

The company added that her appointment “reflects the strategic role of marketing and CSR in our international development and in the sustainable transformation of the food industry.”

Bio&Me builds scale with two senior appointments
Gut‑health brand Bio&Me has created a new chief marketing officer role, appointing FMCG veteran David Titman to drive brand ecosystem development and scale-up ambitions. His experience at Who Gives A Crap, McVitie’s and Unilever positions him to accelerate the brand’s growth trajectory.

Meanwhile, long‑serving team member Michael Cheeseman becomes International Director, tasked with unlocking overseas growth and building distribution in priority markets.

CEO Jon Walsh said: “David gives us senior marketing firepower to help scale with confidence, while Michael… is perfectly placed to help us expand internationally.”

Barentz appoints Sebastian Jakob to lead Human Nutrition EMEA
Barentz has named Sebastian Jakob as vice president human nutrition EMEA, consolidating leadership across the region. Jakob’s 25‑year career in food ingredients, combined with his success in unifying Barentz’s Central and Eastern European operations, positions him to drive strategic alignment and commercial growth.

Christian Barker, Group CCO, said: “Sebastian’s appointment reflects our confidence in his leadership… his track record speaks for itself.”

Jakob added: “My priority across EMEA will be to unlock its significant growth potential by sharpening our structures, accelerating sales, and empowering our people to perform at their best.”

OMRON names Virendra Shelar as president and CEO for Europe
OMRON has appointed Virendra Shelar as executive officer, president and CEO of OMRON EUROPE B.V., recognising his leadership in business transformation, sustainability and digitalisation across global roles.

Shelar said: “Europe is a region of tremendous strategic importance… I look forward to working closely with our teams, partners, and customers to accelerate our growth, drive innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient industrial future.”

Outgoing CEO Fernando Colás praised his successor’s vision, saying: “Virendra brings exceptional experience, a deep understanding of our business, and a clear vision for the future.”

AHDB appoints new board members
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has appointed James Standen and Elena Lokteva as independent board members, with Standen also named chair of the Cereals and Oilseeds Sector Council.

AHDB chair Emily Norton said: “These appointments add vital experience at a time of significant change for British agriculture.”

VPK Packaging UK & Ireland names Martin Taylor as MD
VPK Packaging has appointed Martin Taylor as managing director for the UK & Ireland, reflecting the region’s strategic importance. Taylor’s 25‑year background in food, dairy, fresh produce and packaging — spanning both operational and commercial leadership — positions him to strengthen domestic manufacturing and customer partnerships.

Patrick Leclercq, divisional CEO, said: “Martin is a highly experienced leader… his people-first leadership style makes him ideally placed to lead our UK & Ireland business into its next phase.”

Taylor added: “I’m looking forward to… ensuring VPK continues to be a trusted partner for the long term.”

Novella appoints Antonio Martinez Descalzo as CEO to drive commercialisation
Plant‑cell‑based ingredients innovator Novella has appointed Antonio Martinez Descalzo as CEO to lead its transition from R&D to full-scale commercial operations. With senior leadership experience at ADM and deep expertise in probiotics and specialty ingredients, Martinez will spearhead global commercialisation of Novella’s AuraCell technology.

Chairman Kobi Avidan said: “Martinez’s combined background as a seasoned nutraceutical expert and global commercial strategist makes him the ideal leader to steer Novella toward becoming a commercial powerhouse.”

ULMA Packaging UK appoints Paul Morican as MD
ULMA Packaging UK has named Paul Morican as managing director, strengthening its leadership as demand grows for automation and sustainable packaging solutions. Morican brings more than 20 years of experience across packaging technology and industrial manufacturing.

He said: “ULMA Packaging UK holds an excellent reputation for engineering excellence and customer support. I’m eager and excited to join the business.”

i2r Packaging Solutions appoints Benito Sala as managing director
Aluminium tray manufacturer i2r has appointed Benito Sala as Managing Director to lead its next phase of growth. Sala’s background in chemicals, aerospace, FMCG and industrial manufacturing—combined with his experience in cultural transformation—positions him to drive operational discipline and customer value.

Sala said: “There is significant opportunity to build on these foundations… ensuring we consistently deliver value to our customers.”

Marco De Lellis added: “Benito is a proven leader… his appointment further supports i2r’s leadership as the business continues to build on its strong market position.”