Supplier job moves: new starters at RDA, Seafish, Maidaid and more

Journey enlists AI lead

Journey has hired Joe Watkins as head of AI and data. He joins the business with a strong background in AI and data strategy, having worked with brands including Tesco and KFC, and built an AI-powered recruitment platform. In his role, Watkins will lead the expansion of AI capabilities across Journey’s product suite, spanning experience management, digital marketing, booking and payments.

Caterfood brings in experienced sales director

Caterfood Buying Group, the independent buying group arm of Bidcorp UK, has appointed Steven Lyons as director of group sales. He joins with more than 20 years of senior foodservice experience across UK wholesale and distribution, with roles including sales director at Thomas Ridley & Son and managing director at BFP, where he achieved sales and margin growth while building scalable sales operations.

The Flava People hires technical and commercial trio

Marinade and sauce maker the Flava People has expanded its senior technical and commercial capabilities with three appointments. Alex Yem joins from plant-based food brand This to become head of technical, responsible for setting and leading strategic food safety, quality and compliance agenda. His appointment follows Gareth Jones’ recruitment as national account manager – B2B, to expand the company’s footprint with butchers, restaurant groups and pub chains. He brings commercial experience from previous roles at Authenticate/Ideagen, Tilda and Cranswick. Completing the new trio is Georgia Carter, who has joined as national account manager, focusing on managing retail.

MKN boosts public sector support

Thermal cooking equipment manufacturer MKN UK has appointed Laura Hariani as public sector manager. Hariani has been a member on the Hospital Caterer’s Association Northwest regional council for the past eight years and more recently was key account manager and public sector manager at Maidaid Halcyon. She also spent more than four years at Jestic Foodservice, progressing from regional sales manager to brand manager and then key account manager.

Bestway Wholesale hires amid foodservice growth

Bestway Wholesale has appointed Charles Abraham as foodservice director as the business accelerates its growth across catering, foodservice and the on-trade markets. Abraham has extensive senior leadership experience across the foodservice and wider food and hospitality related industries, most recently working with aviation catering company Gate Gourmet. Prior to that he worked for Sodexo as the director of foodservice, where he was responsible for the food strategy and transformation programme in the UK and Ireland business.

Flipdish snaps up DropChef co-founder

Hospitality AI technology company Flipdish has appointed Ryan Scott as senior product manager for consumer growth. He will be responsible for the suite of Flipdish’s consumer-facing products such as web, apps, kiosk and the newly released AI phone agent. Scott joins Flipdish from DropChef, the Irish healthy meal kit company he co-founded in 2014 and led as CEO.

New Zealand Winegrowers nabs Pernod Ricard director

Anishka Jelicich will take over as chief executive of New Zealand Winegrowers at the end of July, following Philip Gregan’s retirement after 43 years of service to the organisation. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience from across New Zealand, the UK and Europe, including most recently as global director responsible for marketing and sales and Pernod Ricard.

Villeroy & Boch reorganises management team

The Villeroy & Boch Group is reorganising its management team after Gabi Schupp (pictured left) steps down on 31 May 2026. She has played a key role at ceramics company Villeroy & Boch since 2019 as executive board member for dining and lifestyle, and since 2024 as chairwoman of the executive board. Georg Lörz, an executive board member since 2020, will become executive board spokesperson, and Peter Domma (pictured right) will head the dining and lifestyle division as well as the digitalisation and IT departments.

Tenzo brings in seasoned hospitality leader

Hospitality data and analytics platform Tenzo has appointed Jane O’Riordan as chair of the board. She brings more than 25 years of experience across major hospitality brands, including Nando’s, PizzaExpress and Gourmet Burger Kitchen. She currently chairs Caravan Restaurants and Red Engine (Flight Club Darts and Electric Shuffle) and previously served as chair of Turtle Bay.

Nyetimber recruits chef Steven Edwards

Steven Edwards has been appointed executive chef to English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber to oversee the culinary direction across the estate. The MasterChef: The Professionals winner will be reunited with Joe Pinard, who spent three years working at Etch and joins Nyetimber from the Small Holding in Cranbrook. Edwards will bring his produce-led, seasonal approach that aligns with Nyetimber’s commitment to craftsmanship in English sparkling wine. 

Duetto promotes from within for chief sales officer role 

Hospitality revenue and profit software provider Duetto has promoted Michael Schäffner to chief sales officer (CSO) from senior vice-president of global sales. In his new role, Schäffner will drive global go-to-market strategy, expand enterprise and brand relationships, and continue building a sales engine to support Duetto’s revenue and profit operating system.

Powder Monkey Group gains experienced guidance

Andy Higginson (left) with group chief executive Andy Burdon

Powder Monkey Group has hired Andy Higginson as non-executive director, supporting the company’s continued growth across brewing, hospitality and international markets. He brings more than 40 years of experience across retail, finance, strategy and consumer brands, spending 15 years at Tesco as group finance director and chief executive of retailing services. He has also chaired high street and consumer businesses, including JD Sports Fashion, William Morrison Supermarkets and N Brown Group.

Cheese group swaps general managers

DalterFood Group, an Italian cheese specialist that includes subsidiary Dalter UK, has appointed Antonio Gizzi (pictured) as general manager to replace Andrea Guidi, who led the group since 2021. Gizzi joined DalterFood in 2018 as group sales manager, also being responsible for research and development.

Witchmark welcomes new head

Whisky producer Witchmark Distillery has appointed Mark Riley as managing director. Riley brings nearly 30 years of experience in the spirits industry, including a decade as MD of Edrington UK, where he managed Scotch whisky brands including the Macallan and Highland Park.