Career Highlights

I am a commercially focused business leader with over 30 years of experience delivering growth across food manufacturing, bakery, chilled, dairy, poultry, ambient grocery and foodservice sectors.

My career has been built around transforming businesses, developing high-performing teams, creating innovative product strategies and securing sustainable commercial growth with major UK retailers and foodservice operators. I have successfully operated at Board level for many years, leading businesses through periods of change, expansion and profitability improvement.

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Current Role - Devonvale Limited

In May 2022, I successfully completed the Management Buyout (MBO) of Devonvale Limited and now lead the business as CEO/Chief Growth Officer.

Key achievements include:

• Acquisition and successful transition of ownership through the MBO.

• Delivery of a major investment programme, including commissioning a new manufacturing facility in 2023, doubling production capacity.

• Development and execution of a five-year strategic growth plan focused on revenue, profitability and operational excellence.

• Building a strong senior leadership team to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the business.

• Continued investment in innovation, customer relationships and manufacturing capability.

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Commercial Leadership Highlights

Over the course of my career I have consistently delivered significant commercial and operational results:

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Bakery Sector

• Led commercial transformation resulting in sales growth exceeding 300%.

• Developed a new organisational structure to support rapid expansion.

• Worked alongside business owners to create and deliver long-term strategic plans.

• Progressed from consultant to Commercial Director, Managing Director and now Chief Growth Officer. 

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Retail & Food Manufacturing

• Secured and developed business with all major UK retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Ocado and Booths.

• Protected and retained strategic multi-million-pound contracts through complex retailer tender processes.

• Successfully introduced hundreds of new products to market through customer-led innovation and category insight.

• Generated over £17 million of incremental sales growth across multiple businesses and sectors.

• Delivered significant profit improvement through enhanced commercial strategy, NPD, category development and operational alignment.

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Brand Development & Innovation

• Created and launched award-winning food brands and product ranges.

• Led innovation projects that secured major retailer listings and long-term customer partnerships.

• Developed new marketing strategies that accelerated growth and strengthened brand positioning.

• Worked with celebrity chefs and premium food brands to build retail distribution and consumer awareness.

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Business Turnaround & Profitability

• Delivered 45% sales growth and near 100% profit growth within a single year in a food manufacturing business.

• Introduced operational and commercial improvements that increased efficiency and profitability.

• Led strategic reviews covering product portfolios, route-to-market strategy and customer development plans.

• Supported owners and leadership teams through periods of growth, restructuring and investment.

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Leadership Style

I believe successful businesses are built on strong relationships, clear strategic direction and empowering people to achieve their full potential.

My approach combines commercial expertise with practical operational understanding. Throughout my career I have worked closely with production, technical, finance, procurement and supply chain teams to ensure business strategies can be successfully delivered in practice, not just on paper.

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"Authenticity and Trust in all I do internally and externally is my business currency"

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Community Involvement

Alongside my business responsibilities, I actively support local charitable organisations through fundraising initiatives, marketing support and social media engagement, helping community groups increase awareness and generate additional funding.

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