Our People Back
Henrik Pade
Marketing Director
- Biography
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According to Henrik, coffee is key to creating a great place to work. Not, just any coffee, but the best!
“In my experience, the best decisions aren’t made at people’s desks or in meetings, but over a cup of coffee. We try and make sure we have the best coffee – it helps facilitate the decision-making process!”
Denmark-born Henrik arrived in the UK in 1993 and has been at the centre of a number of high-profile success stories in the British food market.
After his outstanding success with the Lurpak and Cravendale brands, Henrik left Arla and began the hunt for a suitable business to acquire, before taking control of Symington’s in 2007 alongside chief executive David Salkeld.
At Symington’s, Henrik is responsible for heading-up the company’s marketing function, but also helping to foster the team atmosphere and its unique working environment.
“Compared to where I’ve worked previously, Symington’s has a much smaller team. This means the decision process is much quicker – a new small-scale project can be off the ground in less than a week. This means Symington’s is an inspiring, exciting and fast-moving place to work,” he said.
“We believe strongly in empowering people who work at Symington’s, and encouraging them to take ownership of projects. I believe that responsibility shouldn’t be something you are given, but if you see an opportunity – and you can prove the business case – then the team here will let you take on the challenge and turn your idea into reality.”
“Symington’s is the type of place where people want to work. Staff here aren’t afraid to take decisions and make mistakes – it’s all part of the growth process. As a result, this is a fun place to spend your working hours.”
When Henrik isn’t helping the company achieve its ambitious target of becoming a £150 million+ company, he is often to be found on the ice rink playing for the Bradford Cannibals, his local ice hockey team.
Gemma Hicks
Marketing Manager
- Biography
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Gemma Hicks started her career at an atomic weapons establishment before moving to Proctor & Gamble where she spent nine years working in product design for Olay Skin Care, Max Factor and Covergirl Cosmetics.
She joined Symington’s from Arla Foods in April 2009 and is responsible for the Ainsley Harriott and James Martin ranges of products. Her role includes planning and implementing creative marketing campaigns for the brands, but is also heavily involved in new product development.
Since joining Symington’s Gemma has been impressed by the company’s entrepreneurial culture and positive atmosphere:
“I haven’t stopped laughing and smiling since coming on board,” she said, “There’s a genuinely exciting culture here that is very different from places I’ve worked previously.”
“I joined Symington’s because of the exciting opportunities that my role offers – I feel that I’ve really got the chance to make a change here. Employees are really encouraged to run their own projects, and get support from the highest level of the company – that’s certainly refreshing.”
“In short, it’s a great place to work, and has a fun, friendly atmosphere – it feels very much like a family business!”
In her spare time Gemma volunteers with the local Dogs Trust as well as enjoys watching Rugby & Boxing.
