People: Arla Foods UK; SCALA; The Curve; and more

Leeds-headquartered dairy co-operative, Arla Foods UK, has appointed Nicola Morgan-Hulme as communications director from 15 January 2024.

The appointment will see her join Arla’s Global Communications Leadership team as well as the UK Leadership team and take on responsibility for communications to all stakeholder groups.

She has a wealth of experience spanning 15 years. Most recently she has worked for The LEGO Group in senior Western Europe and UK Brand Relations roles with her latest position being brand relations director, Western Europe.

In this role she was responsible for the region’s communications strategy across all disciplines including PR, events, corporate communications, social responsibility and internal communications.

Before joining The LEGO Group, she was senior account director with London agency, Ketchum, as senior account director where she worked on PR and communications campaigns with global brands including P&G, Samsung and Mastercard.

Mariam Skovfoged, senior vice president for communications for Arla Foods, said: “Nicola brings with her valuable and varied communications experience across all audiences and is passionate about a people focused approach.

“She will be joining and leading a strong team in the UK and I am looking forward to working with Nicola to continue to transform the communications agenda both in Arla’s biggest market and globally as part of the Communications Leadership Team.”

Pauline Hogg, head of HR, said: “Nicola’s appointment will help us continue the work done so far to build our stronger people, stronger planet external narrative as well as our internal agenda.

“I am confident that with her background and credentials she will complement our business leader first approach in the Leadership Team. We are really looking forward to welcoming her to the business in the New Year.”

Morgan-Hulme added: “Joining the UK’s number one dairy company and being able to help drive such important ambitions forward is a very proud moment for me.

“I am excited to start my new adventure in the New Year and can’t wait to work alongside my dedicated colleagues, teams and farmer owners.”

The appointment in to this key role follows the decision earlier this year by current UK communications director, Theis Broegger, to leave Arla at the end of the year when his international assignment to the UK finishes.

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SCALA, a Huddersfeld-based global supply chain and logistics consultancy has appointed Dr Jonathan Clark Whitehead as a senior consultant, further enhancing its supply chain and logistics modelling expertise.

Whitehead brings with him over 16 years of expertise in the logistics industry, most recently leading warehouse solutions design at logistics company Wincanton.

He holds a PhD in operational research focusing on scheduling theory, supporting his work for both retail and manufacturing suppliers.

As a senior consultant, he will lead SCALA’s solutions design team. He will have a particular focus on logistics network optimisation, digital twin technology development, and supply chain ‘cost to serve’ modelling.

He said: “SCALA has seen an increasing demand for solutions design in recent months.

“Digital twin technology in particular is something retailers, manufacturers and 3PLs are enquiring about frequently.

“The technology, when used effectively, enables businesses to truly evaluate supply chain risk and resilience.

“I am keen to bring my skillset and experience to SCALA’s new and existing clients to support them through supply chain and logistics challenges.”

John Perry, chief executive at SCALA, added: “By bringing Jonathan on board, we are honouring our commitment to offer high-quality, innovative consultancy.

“The solutions we offer only continue to grow in importance as supply chains face increasing complexity and volatility.

“An integral part of building supply chain resilience is considering future modelling as it allows businesses to make informed strategic decisions.

“Sophisticated data modelling enables companies to assess the business impact of innovations and potential risks. This has become increasingly important as robotic and automated solutions continue to develop.”

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Sheffield-based strategic software consultancy, The Curve, has appointed Mai Mai Steele, formerly director of operations at a global software company, as chief operating officer.

Prior to her most recent role, she had nine years experience as a senior project manager at one of the largest content translation companies in the UK.

Her experienced background in HR, project management and marketing has led to her working in a number of operational roles with a hands-on approach to managing multiple projects as well as employee and customer relationships.

She has also played a leading role in various community projects over the last few years which included retraining individuals with no coding background to give them a new start in tech careers.

CEO and co-founder, Paul Ridgway, said: “We are pleased that Mai is joining The Curve, bringing years of leadership experience to the company and management team, which is a key step in our growth strategy for the next few years.

“Her arrival also provides a solid operational backstop for the technical and delivery teams to lean on, ensuring we continue to deliver high quality, customer focused projects as we grow.”

Steele added: “I’m thrilled to be joining The Curve and look forward to working with the team to ensure we are delivering projects on schedule while upholding our rigorous quality standards.

“Being a part of an organisation that prides itself on the value it brings to customers is an important factor for me and I’m excited to help The Curve thrive and support its growth in the coming years.”

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An historic drovers’ inn in North Yorkshire has appointed a new front of house and general manager.

Lee Webb has joined The Owl at Hawnby, in the North York Moors National Park.

Webb is now part of a team headed by Yorkshire-born chef Sam Varley.

He said: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for me. Hawnby is one of the most beautiful places I have ever worked in and it’s a dream come true to be able to live in the midst of such a majestic landscape.

“The Owl is the heartbeat of the village and, with the recent arrival of a brilliant chef like Sam, it is set to become one of the finest inns, with rooms, in the whole of North Yorkshire. It is a privilege to work here.

“News of the Owl’s renaissance is spreading fast and I expect to be very busy over the Christmas period and into the New Year. But that’s the way I like it.”

His past experience includes two years with Anglian Country Inns, together with stints at The Rockmount and La Reunion in Guernsey, as well as many years with Fullers working on refurbishments and new openings.

Varley, who is the co-owner of Bantam, the Michelin-acclaimed restaurant in Helmsley, said: “Lee’s enthusiasm, expertise and experience will prove invaluable here and his appointment is crucial to making the Owl a warm and welcoming place to eat and stay.

“All our food will be created in house and served with the same attention to detail and care we take at Bantam.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved at Bantam in a short space of time and I am determined to extend this success at the Owl.

“The potential here is amazing. Lee is a very important part of our journey.”