3 minute read
Appointments
by Mediateam
The Fed names Graham Stafford as new COO
The Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) has appointed Graham Stafford as its new chief operating officer (COO).
Stafford joined the retail trade organisation on Monday, 4 July and will be based at its head office in Durham.
Previously he has worked as COO for Amazing Instore and in senior roles for Nokia and Sony.
Stafford’s introduction to the news trade came at the age of 15 when he worked as a paperboy for his local independent retailer.
“The Fed has a long history of supporting independent retailers and they need our help and support more than ever,” he said. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping members tackle the myriad issues facing them.”
In his new role, Stafford with work closely with new national president Jason Birks, the Fed’s national executive committee, national finance committee, national councillors and senior management to build on the federation’s successes and to help shape the next stage of its development.
“I am delighted to welcome Graham into The Fed family,” Birks said. “He brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of achievement, so I look forward to working with him to build on The Fed’s strengths and to grow our membership.”
Graham Stafford
Sharon Whitehead ABP appoints Sharon Whitehead as non-executive director
ABP Food Group (ABP) has appointed Sharon Whitehead to the board of the company as a nonexecutive director.
Whitehead is the group vice president of HR at Smurfit Kappa plc. Prior to joining Smurfit Kappa plc, she worked with Kerry Group plc in various international HR leadership roles, including global vice president of HR. She is a fellow of the CIPD, the professional body for human resources and people development, and holds a bachelor’s degree, in addition to various industry qualifications.
John Moloney, chairman of ABP Food Group welcomed the appointment. “Sharon brings a wealth of international leadership experience to the role, particularly in the areas of HR, talent development, food science and food processing,” Moloney said. “Her appointment further strengthens the board as the business continues to grow and evolve across each of our divisions. We look forward to working with Sharon.”
ABP is a leading food company which provides quality red meat products to many of Europe’s leading retailers and food service providers. The company employs 13,200 colleagues across its four divisions: Beef, Pet Foods, Renewables and Proteins. ABP has processing facilities in nine countries and has a turnover of over €4 billion.
PRM appoints new commercial director and brand manager
Leading sales, distribution, logistics and production organisation PRM has appointed Brian Magennis as its commercial director.
In his new role, Magennis will champion the next stage of PRM’s growth strategy along with the experienced team that is in place.
Having previously worked for C&C Group and Britvic Ireland in senior commercial roles, he brings with him extensive knowledge and experience from his many years working within the FMCG industry across Ireland.
“I am delighted to take on the role of commercial director at PRM at this time and I see it as a great opportunity to grow and evolve the PRM business to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers and consumers,“ Magennis said.
“Like many other businesses, PRM has navigated the challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit over the past two years, demonstrating great resilience,” he continued. “However, these challenges now present a new opportunity for PRM to offer solutions to the supply challenges many brands and retailers now face. PRM can offer an effective, efficient and straightforward route to market for many leading consumer brands throughout Ireland, GB and Europe. This is an exciting time to join the organisation during a time of opportunity and growth.”
PRM has also recently appointed a new brand manager, Karla McAviney, who will drive the strategy for PRM’s own brands; Galberts and Cottage Desserts.
“I am excited to take on the role of brand manager at PRM and look forward to bringing my marketing expertise to the commercial function and wider business,“ she said.
Established in 1988, PRM works with over 30 leading brands providing a route to market to the retail, wholesale and food service sectors across the UK and Ireland. ■
