2 Sisters Food Group has appointed Lochlain Feeley to the newly created role of bakery managing director.

The position will see Feeley head up the company’s bakery team based at Gunstones Bakery in Dronfield, near Sheffield.

Feeley brings a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a 30-year career in food industry management. His most recent position was that of managing director for Greencore’s Northampton food-to-go site.

Commenting about the 2 Sisters role, Feeley said: “There’s a willingness to invest, both in terms of capital and people wherever potential exists. 2 Sisters has already announced major investment at several sites this year and I expect the bakery team will be taking advantage of this appetite for investment very soon, so watch this space.”

He was also very clear on his reasons for choosing to join 2 Sisters:

“I’m delighted to join the company particularly at this point in time. To be successful, food companies need to deliver value for all their stakeholders: customers, employees, suppliers, owners and investors,” he added.

“For me this starts with organisational ambition and focus – a sense of purpose anchored in understanding customer needs. Then it’s about fully engaging people and creating excitement and passion for who we are and what we do. And then, importantly, delivering on our promises to stakeholders.

“We are in a very challenging sector - there’s no doubt about it - but the opportunities are still there. What is great about 2 Sisters is the scale of ambition and ability to adapt quickly and respond to change and opportunities.”

Feeley’s arrival at 2 Sisters is the latest in a string of new senior appointments at the company, including innovation director April Preston. It also follows capital investment announcements at a number of sites including Carlisle and Cambuslang earlier this year.