Cheshire-based Food Dudes, a social enterprise promoting healthy eating to schoolchildren, has announced the appointment of Ian Scothern as director of commissioning in the UK.
The company runs evidenced-based programmes for schools encouraging children to make healthy eating choices and teamed up with Bolton School Meals service to jointly win the 2014 Cost Sector Catering PS100 Health & Nutrition Award together with Manchester Fayre.
Scothern comes from the UK's largest housing association The Sanctury Group, where he held the position of commercial development manager. He also spent a number of years at The Priory Group as a regional business development manager.
Scothern said: “I am delighted to be joining Food Dudes at such an exciting time. They are an inspirational team. I was attracted to the role as the programmes are evidence based so deliver really tangible results for schools.
"Childhood obesity and the importance of good nutrition for children has never been higher on the public’s agenda. The goverment's free school meal initiative coupled with the ongoing sugar debate has driven the issue to the top of the media agenda and the forefront of the British public’s minds.
“As such the organisation has seen a huge demand for help in influencing primary school children to eat healthily.
"Food Dudes has ambitious growth plans and I am looking forward to playing a key role in taking the enterprise to the next level in both the UK and internationally."
Chairman of Food Dudes Professor Fergus Lowe added: "We have grown significantly in a short period of time. Ian's appointment underpins our commitment to further growth and the expansion of our programmes both domestically and internationally.
“He brings a wealth of experience to Food Dudes and his public sector credentials are excellent.”
Established in 2013 by Professor Lowe, Food Dudes runs a series of healthy eating programmes designed to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables.