Supplier movers and shakers: new starters at Chapel Down, Lincat, Apetito and more

Supplier personnel changes in the hospitality industry have been happening thick and fast at the turn of the year, with many people switching roles in the food, beverage, equipment and technology sectors.

 

We round-up some of the latest appointments to watch.

 

New CEO for RMS

Hospitality property management platform RMS has appointed Adam Seskis (pictured top) as chief executive. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in public and private-equity backed software and technology-enabled businesses, including at Epiq and Wolters Kluwer. Most recently, Seskis advised private equity firms on portfolio optimisation, mergers and acquisitions and commercial strategy. In his new role, he will focus on accelerating RMS’s expansion in key global markets, strengthening its product offerings and building on 40 years of guest data to drive customer insights and deliver personalised guest experiences.

 

Chapel Down brings in new chief

James Pennefather has joined English winemaker Chapel Down as chief executive officer and director. He has worked in the premium drinks industry for more than 25 years and was most recently chief executive of the Lakes Distillery Company, where he led the business’s sale to the Nyetimber Group last year. Prior to that, Pennefather held senior leadership roles at William Grant & Sons and Diageo across the UK, Middle East, Africa and India.

 

Lincat promotes to managing director level

Lincat has promoted Ginnie Basra to the role of managing director after joining the catering equipment manufacturer in October 2023 as finance director. Basra has extensive expertise in financial leadership and strategic management within manufacturing settings. During her tenure at the Lincoln-based firm, she has been instrumental in evaluating and transforming business systems and processes, driving improvements in financial performance.

 

Majestic’s new on-trade leader

Wine supplier Majestic has appointed Matt Davies as general manager of its on-trade supply arm, Majestic Commercial. He succeeds Maria Lopez, who is stepping down from the role after three years to join Freixenet Copestick. Davies’ experience encompasses managing director roles at agency Coe Vintners, the B2B division of Berry Bros & Rudd, Fields Morris & Verdin. Following the creation of Enotria&Coe in 2016, he was responsible for the enlarged organisation’s on-trade division, and most recently served as commercial director at craft gin brand Sipsmith. In his new role, Davies will head up Majestic Commercial’s 50-strong team with responsibility for delivering and accelerating growth.

 

Apetito promotes from within

Ian Stone has become chief executive of foodservice meal supplier Apetito UK, succeeding Paul Freeston, who stepped down from the role at the end of 2024. Stone, formerly the firm’s chief commercial officer, now leads UK operations in Apetito’s business-to-business markets and through the company’s retail brand Wiltshire Farm Foods. To support growth plans, the company has appointed Mandy Chambers to the role of sales and marketing director B2B.

 

Meiko boosts healthcare team

Jon Sharp has joined Meiko UK as specification manager, overseeing the warewasher manufacturer’s growing business in the care and protect sectors. His more than 35 years of industry experience include a decade-long tenure as a key member of Hilton’s leadership team in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where he was the driver behind F&B growth for Hampton by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.

 

Fells restructures team for growth

Wine distributor Fells has made strategic changes to its commercial team to support its growth goals. Richard Brockett (left), who has been with Fells for eight years, was promoted to sales director, while Alastair Bennett (right) is now commercial development director, tasked with shaping Fells’ commercial strategy and expanding its portfolio. Stefan Neumann will also expand his role, developing its premium wine selection, and Paul Burden (centre), who joined Fells in 2016, will have a broader role as strategic planning director. The London on-trade division has grown with the appointment of Charlotte Haylett and Tairi Tillo, who will assist in driving growth and providing service.

 

All change at KFE

Fish and chip frying range specialist KFE is reshuffling its leadership. After 28 years heading KFE, Paul Williams, the company’s founder and managing director, is stepping into a new role as chairman, passing the baton to his daughter, Tanya Henderson, his son, Nik Williams, and his son-in-law, Mathew Henderson. Tanya will serve as managing director and Nik as sales director, while Mathew will continue as financial controller.

 

Korero augments business development

Talent and performance management platform Korero has appointed Phil Street as business development director. Street was formerly of Momentum Recruitment and is the host of the ‘Hospitality Meets’ podcast and podcasts for the Institute of Hospitality. His expertise in talent acquisition, relationship building and industry engagement is aimed at helping Korero’s continued growth and expanding its impact within the hospitality sector.

 

Cimbali appoints strategic executive for market drive

Frédéric Thil has been appointed general manager of the Cimbali Group. Thil, who has extensive experience in the B2C sector and a track record of leadership in multinational companies, will focus on driving the company’s strategic plan to expand its footprint in the coffee machine market. Thil began his career in consumer goods in 1987, holding roles at Unilever and later joining Ferrero. From 2020 to 2024, he led Thil Consulting, which supported SMEs and start-ups in developing their business plans.

 

Miele strengthens service department

Commercial laundry and dishwashing solutions manufacturer Miele Professional has appointed Sam Holden as head of service for Great Britain and Ireland as part of a move to strengthen UK service operations. Holden, who has been with the company since 2019 as a business account manager, brings commercial experience to his new position. In his new role he will oversee service operations management for the professional division of the white goods manufacturer. Prior to joining Miele, Holden was leader of the sales team at Ferrero, commercial director at Wheel Specialist Bristol and trade marketing manager at Imperial Tobacco.

 

Hallgarten & Novum raises commercial profile

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has appointed Will Oatley as director. Oatley will report into managing director Andrew Bewes and has been tasked with supporting and leading Hallgarten Wines’ three sales divisions to achieve its ambitious growth plans over the coming years. Oatley was most recently managing director of Louis Latour Agencies for 11 years, and prior to that held the regional sales director position for Mentzendorff for 10 years. He also worked at Moët Hennessy for five years as a regional sales manager.

 

Cendyn extends C-suite leadership

Hotel technology and services company Cendyn has made two additions to its C-Suite team. UK-based Nicki Graham moves from senior vice-president global marketing to lead the global marketing team and positioning of Cendyn as chief marketing officer. Prior to joining the firm in 2017, she ran international PR campaigns for clients across the globe within agencies at marketing companies IPG Mediabrands and WPP. Ricky Castoldi has also been promoted to chief sales officer after five years at the company as senior vice-president sales – Americas. He has worked in travel and hospitality technology for over 25 years, including at Duetto, eRevMax and Lanyon.

 

Valentine elevates sales executive

Philip Sanderson has been promoted to sales director at equipment supplier Valentine & Cuisinequip. Sanderson, who started at the Reading-based company in 2018 as the regional account manager for London, southern England and Ireland, took a directorship of the business in 2024 when he was promoted to business development director. Prior to joining, Sanderson gained experience as a senior regional sales manager at Rational. He will now take charge of sales and marketing for Valentine & Cuisinequip.

 

Panasonic UK strengthens professional kitchen team

Panasonic UK has appointed Paul Franks as business development manager for its Professional Kitchen division. He brings experience to his role with the microwave oven and rapid cook technology manufacturer through having worked in foodservice for more than 40 years. Franks’s previous roles have been with BGL Rieber, Hupfer UK and most recently at Retigo UK.

 

Central Foods rewards sales success

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has promoted Mackenzie Roper to business development manager. Roper, who joined Central Foods in January 2023 as a sales executive, has also been named Salesperson of the Year at the company.

 

Radnor Hills bolsters board

Soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills has welcomed Jonathan Kemp to its board as non-executive director. For the past 21 years Kemp has been on the board of AG Barr as commercial director, during which he led the commercial growth of the business and the development of brands such as Irn-Bru and Rubicon. He is also involved with the Strathclyde Business School, part of the University of Strathclyde, where he teaches students and conducts research.

 

Mackie’s recruits Scottish produce specialist

Barry Swan has joined ice-cream producer Mackie’s of Scotland following a career spanning military service and engineering leadership roles in industries including salmon processing, whisky bottling and global water production. His engineering career began in the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, after which he managed water bottling plants for the Canadian and British Armed Forces. Latterly, he undertook senior positions in Scotland’s food and drink sector, from Edinburgh Salmon and Young’s Seafood to shortbread production at Paterson Arran and whisky bottling with Whyte & Mackay. Swan’s experience will play a key role in modernising Mackie’s engineering operations.