What is your business background?
I took marketing positions in the toiletries industry for five years, working for Alberto- Culver and then Wella. From there I moved to Allied-Lions, becoming senior product manager. In 1990, I joined McCormick Foods as a product group manager, becoming marketing director in the mid-1990s. Two years ago I became involved in a business building venture with a view to buying food and drink companies. But acquisitions weren’t coming through fast enough and when the post of group marketing director at Patak’s became available, I went for it.
What are your responsibilities?
I am brand custodian for Patak’s retail, foodservice and food ingredients businesses. It’s a global role which looks at developing the brand in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and leading European markets. As far as the UK market is concerned, if anyone asks if the Indian food market is mature, I’d say, “No way!” We’ve only scratched the surface – there’s a lot more than we’ve been exposed to in terms of the light and delicate aspects of Indian cuisine as well as the richer elements.
What do you most like about your job?
The core management team, headed by managing director David Page is a pleasure to work with. It makes a real difference to work with business owners who genuinely care about their products. I like the whole working environment. My only frustration is that there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done.
What are your interests outside work?
I’m food mad. I also love hot air ballooning and otter watching – I travel all over the UK chasing otters. It’s just a great way to get away from it all. A commercial controller and a business manager are needed by a £1bn food business. Candidates for the former must have private label experience as well as brands.
I took marketing positions in the toiletries industry for five years, working for Alberto- Culver and then Wella. From there I moved to Allied-Lions, becoming senior product manager. In 1990, I joined McCormick Foods as a product group manager, becoming marketing director in the mid-1990s. Two years ago I became involved in a business building venture with a view to buying food and drink companies. But acquisitions weren’t coming through fast enough and when the post of group marketing director at Patak’s became available, I went for it.
What are your responsibilities?
I am brand custodian for Patak’s retail, foodservice and food ingredients businesses. It’s a global role which looks at developing the brand in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and leading European markets. As far as the UK market is concerned, if anyone asks if the Indian food market is mature, I’d say, “No way!” We’ve only scratched the surface – there’s a lot more than we’ve been exposed to in terms of the light and delicate aspects of Indian cuisine as well as the richer elements.
What do you most like about your job?
The core management team, headed by managing director David Page is a pleasure to work with. It makes a real difference to work with business owners who genuinely care about their products. I like the whole working environment. My only frustration is that there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done.
What are your interests outside work?
I’m food mad. I also love hot air ballooning and otter watching – I travel all over the UK chasing otters. It’s just a great way to get away from it all. A commercial controller and a business manager are needed by a £1bn food business. Candidates for the former must have private label experience as well as brands.
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