Bakery expert Lantmännen Unibake UK is excited to announce the appointment of its new Managing Director, Wendy Smith. Wendy succeeded Tim Robinson on 10^th October, as he handed over the reins after 10 years within the UK business, following his promotion to Chief Strategy Officer for Lantmännen Unibake (Group), whilst continuing his current role as a business area Chief Operations Officer. Wendy joins the UK business with a wealth of experience, having worked her whole career within the UK food market sector.

With over 15 years of leadership experience, from roles in many of the UK’s powerhouse food manufacturers including Northern Foods, Samworths and Bakkavor.  Wendy is an avid foodie, with an inquisitiveness that extends from new products and trends to the technological and cultural impacts on the UK food market. The combination of her interest in food and experience in the industry makes Wendy well placed to take up the fresh challenge of leading Lantmännen Unibake UK.

Wendy’s interest in food is matched by her passion to support and champion the people that she works with. Wendy Comments: “As the custodian of a business, I believe that my role is to support and empower the people I work with to do their jobs brilliantly every day. This enables us as a business to deliver success through providing excellent quality products and experiences for our customers and the end consumers.”

“Lantmännen Unibake has flourished as a successful business under Tim’s leadership. Over the last eight years, he has built a strong business with a talented team, and he leaves a tremendous legacy as he progresses into his new role.”

“My focus will be to continue to steer the business through the challenging economic climate and deliver on the current business strategy, whilst looking at new opportunities for the future.”

Lantmännen Unibake UK’s vision is around providing pleasure through food and creating millions of smiling tummies. This is a vision shared by Wendy who will use her category knowledge, industry experience, customer centric focus, and passion for food and people to continue to build upon this.

Tim Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer and COO BA at Lantmännen Unibake, comments “As I join the Global team based at the group’s Headquarters in Copenhagen and take on this new challenge, I am pleased to be leaving my previous UK role in the very capable hands of Wendy Smith.”

“Wendy is no stranger to the industry, its opportunities and challenges and I have every confidence in her ability to lead the UK business forward. The UK business will continue to be an important part of the business area I will remain responsible for in my continued role as COO Business Area UK, US & Asia Pacific. I very much look forward to the new growth plans coming from the UK team, and will continue to be an ambassador for the fantastic business and people that I have had the honour to lead.”

“I have no doubt that Wendy will enjoy the role as much as I have and I look forward to supporting her alongside the rest of the team.”