Pete Headridge appointed new CEO of Campden BRI research group
UK-based industry research and training group Campden BRI has appointed Pete Headridge as its new chief executive as of January 2021, writes Neill Barston
The new appointee takes up his role with the influential science-based food and drink group owing present postholder Chris Huscroft’s imminent retirement.
Headridge will take over as CEO following a year as COO. He brings with him many years’ experience in senior technical and quality roles at the Kellogg Company.
The group has been involved with assisting the sector across a broad spectrum of areas, including offering advice and support for manufactures across the industry, including within confectionery and bakery markets. The group also operates a number of training events across the year.
Tim Holmes, Chairman of the Campden BRI Group, said: “Campden BRI has faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 and Chris has guided the organisation through this difficult period very effectively. The effort that Chris has put into Campden BRI over the past year to adapt the organisation to a very different world has been immense and is something that the Board and I are very thankful for. In the latter half of the past year, Chris has worked closely with Pete and the senior team to set Campden BRI on a new course for the future.”
Commenting on his appointment, Headridge noted that were challenges ahead, but believed that its newly formed team is well placed for taking the organisation forward. The group’s membership presently represents more than 2,500 businesses including all of the top 10 UK retailers, and largest 15 global food and drinks companies
Headridge said: “This is an exciting time for Campden BRI. A new senior team has been brought together during 2020, with a number of key internal and external appointments. I look forward to working with them to deliver our exciting three-year growth strategy.”
As the group added, the recent additions to its team include Emeritus Professor Tim Foster joined the team as Scientific Affairs Director, with responsibility for developing the new scientific strategy for the business and also putting the organisation back at the technical heart of industry, academic and governmental groups.
Sarah Armstrong was recently appointed HR Director, as the company undertakes significant organisational development as part of the implementation of its new Three-year Strategic Plan.
The external client focus will be headed by Barbara Lunnon, Associate Director Marketing, as the new sales and marketing team takes shape. In the Operating Units of Analytical Services, Consulting-Science and Consulting-Technology, the Associate Directors of Nick Byrd, Julia Jackson and Emma Hanby are organising their teams to deliver for all our members and clients.
Chris Ikpeme brings the backbone of sound financial management to the team as Finance Director, plus Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance, Patricia Murray. The senior team is completed by Annalie Brown, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive.
Holmes added: “The Board and I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and excellent stewardship of the business throughout a difficult year and wish him well for his well-deserved retirement. We look forward to working with Pete and the senior team as Campden BRI moves into the next exciting phase of its evolution.”
