Name: Katie Lankston
Age: 24
Job title: Marketing executive
Company & location: Radnor Hills, Wales & London
Education: I didn’t go to uni – I went straight into work after attending Moreton Hall school.
Why did you decide to go for a career in food? Growing up around my dad (MD William Watkins) at Radnor, I was exposed to the industry from an early age. I remember attending consumer shows and trying to sell as many of our drinks as possible on the trade stand. It was then that I fell in love with the industry and in particular (though I might be slightly biased), Radnor Hills.
Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): Along with a colleague, I look after all of the marketing for the Radnor Hills business. This includes all of our social media, trade shows and PR outreach.
What does a typical day look like for you? When I am in the office, I will be organising trade shows and events. I also try to attend as many of these as possible. On other days, I am more focused on our social media accounts and PR activity. The most important thing for me is to try to bring our customers behind the scenes. I believe that consumers are more interested in the cultures behind businesses. We have an amazing culture at Radnor, and I feel like it is my job to show it!
Tell us about how you went about applying for your job. I started with Radnor in a sales role. I had always wanted to work with Radnor but my dad insisted that I get experience working for someone else first – which has turned out to be the best thing I ever did. I have known our sales director for 12 years but it was the hardest interview I’ve ever had!
“Being able to have an influence on the taste and look of these new products is an amazing feeling”
What’s the best part about working for a food company? I adore the new product development side of the business. Being able to have an influence on the taste and look of these new products is an amazing feeling.
And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? That all we do is go to trade shows and that you lose all of your weekends.
What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? Go for it! I think it is important to work for a business that you are a customer of. If you wouldn’t eat or drink the product yourself, avoid!
What’s your ultimate career dream? One day, I want my dad’s office. I wouldn’t want his job but I love his office! On a serious note, I love what I am doing now. I want to keep helping the business to grow. It’s exciting times at Radnor Hills!
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