Free-from supplier Genius Foods has laid the foundations for future growth with three senior appointments.

The company, which produces a range of gluten-free breads and baked goods sold in the UK and abroad, has appointed Stella Morse as chief financial officer, David Shaw as commercial director and Rebecca Bolt as product and partnership director.

Morse, who joins the Genius board, was previously finance director at Magners and Bulmers Cider owner C&C Group, and prior to that UK FD at Scottish & Newcastle. She will be joining former C&C boss John Dunsmore, who took on a non-executive role at Genius in June, when he also took a 5% stake in the company.

Shaw is a former bakery director for Hovis owner Premier Foods, and previously worked for the RHM Group.

Bolt brings more than 15 years bakery experience in manufacturing and retail, having previously headed up NPD for Fabulous Bakin’ Boys, Tesco bakery and Boots.

“Each is a world-class appointment and adds significantly to our already strong management team,” said Genius chief executive Roz Cuschieri. “We have a superb management team with the experience and expertise to take Genius to new heights.”

Edinburgh-based Genius, launched by Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne as a supplier of gluten-free bread in 2009, has since expanded its product range to include fruit loaf, pancakes and pizza.

The appointments came in the week Bruce-Gardyne received an Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year award, and was commended by judges as “a fantastic individual with brilliance for business”.

Bruce-Gardyne said the award was a great honour, and added: “I am delighted that the company I started is continuing to grow and innovate.”

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