FARESHARE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF SIX NEW TRUSTEES

21 December 2023

FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity tackling food waste for social good, has announced the appointment of six experienced industry leaders to its board of trustees.

The new members will expand the board of trustees as the charity prepares to enter its 30th year. They will bring a broad range of food industry knowledge and expertise to help FareShare deliver its mission to meet the soaring levels of demand, getting more food to more people in need.

FareShare works with the food industry to redistribute good to eat surplus food, which might otherwise go to waste, to a network of 8,500 charities nationwide. These charities include school clubs, homelessness centres, domestic violence refuges, hospices and community centres, all using food and offering vital wraparound services to help tackle the root causes of poverty.

The new appointments to FareShare’s board of trustees are:

• Dominic Blakemore, who has been CEO of Compass Group PLC, the world’s leading food service company, since 2018.
• Aron Gelbard, co-founder of Bloom & Wild, Europe’s leading direct-to-consumer flower and gifting platform, with a background in sustainable innovations and technology.
• Karen Betts OBE, a former diplomat who has been Chief Executive of the Food & Drink Federation since 2021 and is also an adviser to the UK Government’s Board of Trade.
• Martin Ryan, former Group Chief Operating Officer of TPICAP, and an expert in investment banking, transformation and market infrastructure leadership.
• Paul Kenward, CEO of ABF Sugar, responsible for the extensive sugar interests of Associated British Foods (ABF), and has previously held leadership and directorial positions at British Sugar, Westmill Foods, and Europe for EMI Records.
• Tim O’Malley, Group Managing Director of Nationwide Produce PLC, who are specialists in all aspects of fresh produce and one of the largest produce companies in the UK.

John Bason, Chair of Trustees for FareShare said: “We are enormously grateful to all our trustees who give their time so generously to help steer our ambitions for growth and impact. The appointment of so many industry leaders to the board presents an opportunity to bring new talent, experience and networks to complement the existing team. High calibre food industry and logistics experts will be essential in supporting the charity’s transition going forwards. We look forward to working together at an exciting time for FareShare.”

George Wright, CEO of FareShare said: “Demand for food from FareShare has never been higher, at a time when the cost of living crisis is continuing to impact people up and down the country. The addition of these industry leaders to the board of trustees will be hugely beneficial in helping us deliver our strategy over the coming months and years. Their skills and expertise will help us source and distribute even more surplus food to people who need it most.”