Wallbank joined the business 12 years ago as an accounts assistant after graduating from Aston University in Birmingham with a degree in managerial and administrative studies. With the support of Wilson Vale, she gained chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in 2008. Since 2012, she has been financial controller.
She is now responsible for managing the finances of the £27m independent catering company, working closely with co-founders, Andrew Wilson and Carolyne Vale, and a team of 10 reports directly to her.
Andrew Wilson said: “Training and development have been critical to our success and our emphasis on home grown talent continues to reap business benefits. One of the joys of running a business is seeing others grow and Melissa has proved to be a talented member of the team who understands and supports our culture and our way of doing things.”
Other recent in-house promotions include Alan Beddie, former operations director, becoming managing director, and former area manager David Anderson becoming operations director.