Harnessing the power of community
Frustrated with the lack of specialist regional support, we are a team of like-minded individuals and professionals who forged a strong bond based upon a passion and determination to build a world class, competitive and innovative food and drink economy here in the North East.
Collectively, our experience spans across the industry from supply chain, product development, manufacturing and operations through to sales, marketing, exhibiting and international strategy. Our aim is to use our network and expertise to be informative, supportive, accessible and responsive to the needs of our community.
Meet the FADNE team
Chris Jewitt
Chief Executive Officer
chris@fadne.org
Ian Pilkington
Chief Operating Officer
ian@fadne.org
Steve Wheaton
Chief Growth Officer
steve@fadne.org
Susan Justice
Chair
Rosie Jenkinson
Communications Manager
rosie@fadne.org
Shelley Johnson
Programme Manager
shelley@fadne.org
Our Non-Executive Board Members
Ian Wright
Co-Chair
Food and Drink Export Council
Terry Laybourne
Renowned Chef, Restaurateur and Director of 21 Hospitality Group
Kellie Ross
Faculty Director Commercial Industries
Sunderland College
Susan Justice
Head of Business Development
Bidfood
Kieran McBride
Store Director
Fenwick, Newcastle
Caroline Bell
Operations & Sales Director
Acorn Dairy Ltd
Karen Park
Director
Buston Oils Ltd & Buston Potatoes Ltd
We are grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of our FADNE partners:
