Supplier movers and shakers: new starters at Rémy Cointreau, ML Meat, Fagor Professional and more

Karl Blackford becomes sales director at ML Meat

Wholesale catering supplier and manufacturer ML Meat has hired Karl Blackford as sales director. This move is aligned with the company’s focus on growth, with Blackford taking a pivotal role in expanding ML Meat’s footprint beyond its current stronghold in London. Blackford’s career spans more than 20 years in the food and drink industry and he joins the business from previous leadership roles at Bidfood, Booker and Bestway Wholesale.

C&C Group adds another non-executive director

C&C Group, which manufactures drinks including Tennent’s lager and Magners and Bulmers cider, has appointed Sanjay Nakra as an independent non-executive director. Nakra is a senior corporate finance leader with over two decades of investment banking experience in Europe, the US and Canada. He serves on the board of directors of Algoma Steel Group and CGI and was managing director and co-group head, diversified industries, for TD Securities from 2010 to 2021. In August, C&C also appointed former PwC managing partner Feargal O’Rourke as an independent, non-executive director.

Metcalfe Catering Equipment makes double hire

Food preparation equipment specialist Metcalfe Catering Equipment has made two recent hires to its sales team. Mark Summers was recruited as national sales manager, spearheading strategic initiatives across the south of the UK and focusing on managing and enhancing relationships within the dealer network. Meanwhile, Jamie Clews joined as key accounts manager and is responsible for supporting key account customers in finding the equipment solutions from Metcalfe. Both new joiners switched from competitor firm Robot Coupe.

Flexeserve presents a development chef role to JP Felix

Hot holding manufacturer and food-to-go specialist Flexeserve has strengthened the culinary team at its Hinckley headquarters with the appointment of JP Felix as head of culinary. He is responsible for all aspects of food development, bringing fresh ideas to life for new menus, food testing and packaging, helping operators hot-hold and serve a wider variety of hot food, so they can sell more and waste less. With experience in leading kitchen operations, JP Felix (also known as John-Paul) builds on a wide-ranging career working for brands such as YO! Sushi, Legoland and Mitchells & Butlers.

Synergy Grill assembles new executive board

Grill manufacturer Synergy Grill Technology has appointed a new executive board as it makes inroads across America, mainland Europe and the Middle East, as well as continuing to expand its operations in the UK. The board will consist of Andrew Edwards (board co-ordinator), Leander Cadbury, Paul Ramshaw, David Hindle, Sam O’Rourke, James Dudzinski and Keith Harbison. Collectively their skillset spans sales, marketing, finance, export, research and development and manufacturing.