People: Pineapple Recruitment; Brusco; Ark & Co
A hospitality and catering recruitment specialist has boosted its leadership team with the appointment of a new business development manager.
Pineapple Recruitment, which is headquartered in the Midlands, has appointed respected industry expert Robert Jones to the new role, reporting to business manager, Kasia Krieger.
In his new role, Jones will be responsible for driving forward the company’s growth agenda, helping to expand Pineapple’s market presence, strengthening existing relations, and identifying new client opportunities across the UK.
Kasia Krieger said: “Robert has extensive experience across a variety of specialisms within the recruitment industry and is the perfect appointment as we carry out our ambitious growth plans. He has a first-class track record in the hospitality and catering sector, as well as in the recruitment industry. He understands the exact type of talent catering and hospitality businesses need and helped with a deep understanding of the challenges they face.
“I am delighted to welcome Robert to the team and look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”
Jones said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to join the team at Pineapple Recruitment at such an exciting time. Pineapple is without doubt a business with a fresh outlook, brilliant credentials and hugely ambitious plans, so to play a role in their story is a really exciting opportunity. During his career, Robert has held a variety of management, sales and customer service positions in both the hospitality and recruitment sectors. Following 15 years in the hotel industry, he spent five years as a senior recruitment consultant.
Worcestershire-based food ingredients company Brusco has appointed Mark Armstrong as its new managing director, succeeding Andrew Ashby, who has led the company since acquiring it in 2015.
Armstrong, who took on the role on November 18th, brings a wealth of experience, including his most recent position as managing director of Nutrisure, the UK’s leading superfood brand and ingredients company.
His previous roles include sales director at Orchard Pig Cider, where he helped quadruple revenue in two years before its sale to C&C, and head of sales at Nelsons, where he made Teetha the UK’s top teething brand.
He also led the launch of sugar-free Red Bull in the UK.
Armstrong’s appointment marks a key step in Brusco’s ongoing growth as it aims to become the preferred partner for customers seeking collaborative, value-driven supplier relationships.
Meanwhile, Andrew Ashby transitions to the role of CEO for Olidor Group Ltd, where he will oversee the continued expansion of the group, which includes Brusco alongside Karimix UK Ltd, The Original Baker Ltd, Porter Foods, and The Artful Baker.
Mark Armstrong, managing director of Brusco, said: “I am delighted to be joining Brusco as the new Managing Director. For many years I’ve driven customer-focused growth strategies for various brands within the food industry. I look forward to bringing new ideas to Brusco and working together with our valued customers.”
“I’m excited for what the future holds and look forward to leading our talented team to success.”
Andrew Ashby, CEO of Olidor Group, commented: “We’re delighted to have appointed a talent like Mark to lead Brusco through its next phase of growth. Mark brings a wealth of industry expertise which we believe will add significant value to our customers.”
Birmingham-based accountants and chartered tax advisers, Ark & Co, has announced a senior appointment to its leadership team.
To lead the business, Ark & Co has expanded its senior leadership team with the new appointment of Mandeep Rajput as managing director.
Rajput will join existing partners Bally Ark, Gurnek Ark and Suchy Lidhar to drive forward the firm’s ambitious growth plans.
With almost 30 years of experience in the banking sector, Rajput brings a wealth of expertise to the role.
Beginning his career with the Yorkshire / Clydesdale Bank in 1995, he worked across the group for 29 years.
His most recent role was head of private banking, where he led a national team and a £5bn business channel.
In his new role, Rajput will take a ‘people-first’ approach to building robust organisational structures and operating models that will allow the business to maximise opportunities for growth, whilst creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
He said: “I’m delighted to join the team at such an exciting time. Over the past 20 years, the practice has achieved impressive growth through its full-service offering and the strength and depth of its expertise. The investment in the new brand is an important milestone, reflecting a renewed focus for the business, and I look forward to supporting the team in this new chapter.”
Bally Ark, Director at Ark & Co Ltd, said: “We’re so pleased to welcome Mandeep to the team. He has been instrumental in the rebranding of the business in addition to building a strategy that will transform our professional practice over the coming years. Mandeep is highly skilled in people leadership and operational management and will play a vital role in driving forward our expansion plans.
“As a full-service accountancy firm, we are well placed to respond to the evolving needs of the sector and help our clients adapt to the latest changes in the tax landscape, many of which will take effect from April 2025 and have significant implications for businesses. Our expert team provides specialist support, ensuring our clients are in the strongest financial position and able to plan effectively for their business growth.”
