In my role, I lead our teams to achieve collective targets in line with Classic Fine Foods’ mission. That includes ensuring our operations are well run, building brands and growing business jointly with our partners, as well as motivating our people to reach their full potential, and focusing on the present while looking ahead to the future.

The great thing about my job is that no two days are the same; from being in a deep discussion with our operations team, to speaking to our partners on the other side of the world. I also have the opportunity to attend the latest restaurant openings and marvel at the chef’s masterpiece made from the products we supply, while appreciating the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes from the producer to the plate. This lack of monotony energizes me, and being surrounded by the best food, and most passionate, hardworking people, is a privilege which I don't take for granted.

Leading a team through the pandemic has probably been the most challenging yet rewarding experience during my time spent in the company. We protected our people and jobs, pivoted our business at the right time, supported our partners and suppliers, and also made the right strategic investments meaning that we came out the other side relatively unscathed and perhaps even stronger and more prepared for the ever-challenging road ahead.

At the moment, we are working on many exciting projects at the same time, including digital transformation, building a more sustainable product portfolio and more.

Karen - General Manager - Singapore

My job is to support the Management team in keeping our vision and ambition alive in order to execute our plan. There are many reasons why I love Classic Fine Foods but the most important one is probably that I get to run the company as freely as possible within the framework given by our Governance structure. This allows me to be as entrepreneurial as I wish, developing the business as if it were my own by making fast decisions for the benefit of all stakeholders.

A great day is a smooth day when all customers are delivered on time, with perfect order fulfillment and when the sun is out all day. Being located in London it is quite difficult to achieve all those three things at once!

Developing the business as it is now, seeing people developing their skills and growing within the business is my proudest achievement. I am also very much looking forward to some of our upcoming projects, especially our new state-of-the-art warehouse facility which will open next year, and will transform our business once more and focus our attention into delivering our long term ambition. It is a very exciting project that has been in the works for some time and I cannot wait to see the end result.

Olivier - General Manager - UK