Supplier job moves: New starters at Heineken, Allmanhall, Winterhalter and more

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

 

We round-up some of the latest appointments, departures and promotions to watch.

 

Great British Drinks Company brings in new managing director

Great British Drinks Company has appointed Dominic Metcalfe (above) as its new managing director as it continues to invest in its breweries, expand its portfolio of brands and focus on regional British brewing. Metcalfe joins the business with significant drinks industry experience and a track record of driving commercial growth and building customer relationships.

 

Heineken nabs Jacobs Douwe Egberts CEO

 

Rafael Oliveira will become Heineken’s new chief executive from 1 October, replacing Dolf van den Brink. Oliveira joins from Jacobs Douwe Egberts Peet’s, where he served as CEO since 2024. Following Keurig Dr Pepper’s acquisition of JDE Peet’s, he was appointed to lead Keurig Dr Pepper’s Global Coffee Co. Prior to that, he spent a decade at the Kraft Heinz Company, rising to president of international markets and overseeing a US$7b (£5.2b) portfolio across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

 

RDA bolsters northern client relationships

 

Gateshead-based catering design house RDA has appointed Chris Robson as account manager for the North. Robson has broad experience across the catering equipment industry combined with strong customer relationship management skills. In his new role he will take responsibility for supporting RDA’s Northern client base as well develop new business opportunities throughout the region.

 

Jo Hall takes the helm at Allmanhall 

 

Food procurement business Allmanhall has promoted Jo Hall to managing director, taking over from her husband and co-founder Oliver Hall. Jo, a co-owner and longstanding board director, joined the company 10 years ago after a corporate career, initially planning to provide short-term marketing, but then taking a permanent position in marketing and business development. Under her leadership, Allmanhall will continue its focus on helping clients with their food and catering costs.

 

Lolly recruits ex-Corney & Barrow MD

 

Software firm Lolly has brought in hospitality and drinks sector specialist Ed Gardner as a consultant in the managed multiple retail sector. Gardner is founding partner of management consultancy Bacchants Consulting, which works within the English wine sector. He brings more than 25 years of on-trade experience, and was previously managing director of Corney & Barrow Bars before co-founding Hush Heath Inns in 2017, a joint venture pub with rooms business alongside Enterprise Inns (now Stonegate). Gardner will work alongside Lolly’s leadership team within the premium bars, restaurants and pub group space.

 

Winterhalter UK welcomes three new members

 

Warewasher supplier Winterhalter UK has welcomed two business development managers, Ian Parsons and Zachary Bland, as well as new Northern Ireland general manager Jonathan Harding. Parsons has nearly 30 years of experience selling commercial catering equipment, working for companies including Lockhart, Continental Chef Supplies, Walker Catering Supplies and latterly Fagor Professional. Bland joins after four years at online edutech firm Twinkl, where he developed sales skills. Harding has been a sales representative at McNeill Hotelware for the past four years, and before that spent five years at Nisbets as a key account manager.

 

Apaleo enlists new UK and Ireland leader

 

Hospitality property management platform Apaleo has appointed Connor Neeson as country lead, UK and Ireland. Neeson joins Apaleo with more than 15 years’ experience in hospitality technology, including as market director for the UK and Ireland at Triptease, and roles at Cloudbeds and CheKin. Neeson will expand Apaleo’s regional presence and focus on relationships with customers, partners and consultants.

 

Rational strengthens public sector support

 

Cooking equipment manufacturer Rational UK has appointed Darren Hemsley and David Gledhill as area sales managers – public sector. Both managers move into their specialist roles following experience as regional sales managers at Rational. Hemsley and Gledhill’s focus will be on helping healthcare, education, local authority and care catering.

 

Turner Price makes swap at the top

 

Yorkshire-based foodservice wholesaler Turner Price has appointed Steve Potter as managing director following the retirement of Paul Brittain. Potter joined the business in 2014 and was appointed operations director and joined the board in 2024. Brittain has been a member of the Turner Price leadership team for 24 years. He served as finance director for more than two decades and became managing director in 2024 following the company’s move into the Caterfood Buying Group. Following his retirement, Brittain will support the business in an advisory capacity.

 

Pómelle picks up ex-Diageo director

 

Pómelle, a pomelo and elderflower aperitif, has appointed Sheyan Patel as global managing director. Sheyan brings more than 20 years of international drinks experience, most recently from six years as chief commercial officer of the Lost Explorer Mezcal, where he helped take the brand from launch to more than 25 markets. His career also includes 12 years at Diageo in marketing and commercial positions in Shanghai, Amsterdam and London.