01-01-2005 - Vendia announces first female MD
Vendia (previously Benchmark Vending) have announced the appointment of Brenda Hughes as Managing Director of its London subsidiary, Simply Drinks.
Brenda brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked at Simply Drinks for more than 11 years, most recently in the role of Human Resources Director. A highly popular selection amongst the Simply Drinks staff, she was promoted to the role of Managing Director with effect from January 2005.
Brenda takes over from Alan Hancock, who founded Simply Drinks in 1988 and led its successful growth to become one of the most respected vending companies in the UK. Alan stayed on as MD after Simply Drinks was acquired by Vendia in 2001 to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new ownership.
Mike Potts, CEO of the Vendia group says: “We are delighted to have Brenda as MD of Simply Drinks. Her knowledge of the vending industry coupled with her enthusiasm for her job is a perfect combination. It is a great time for Brenda to take on such a role as the Vendia group plans for significant growth in 2005.”
Brenda Hughes becomes the first female MD within the Vendia Group – itself a positive development for the company, which is one of the UK’s fastest growing vending operators. Brenda says: “I am looking forward to working with my team at Simply Drinks to continue our work with our clients in the London area. I also look forward to working with the rest of my colleagues in the Vendia group, to develop the brand and to help push forward some of their new developments such as the Healthy Options range which was successfully introduced last year.”
Former MD Alan Hancock is now taking an extended sabbatical to pursue hobbies and personal interests, but will remain in contact with Simply Drinks as well as being a significant shareholder in Vendia UK and a strong supporter of the Vendia Group. Julia Hancock, who founded Simply Drinks with Alan, remains within the company as Business Development Director.
Vendia UK Ltd is one of the largest beverage and snack vending companies in the UK. It is part of the international Vendia Group which is based in Holland and also has vending operations in France.
Vendia’s unique strength is its network of strong local operating companies and management teams, who leverage their regional knowledge and experience to deliver better products and services, whatever the required vending package. Vendia companies have particularly strong knowledge and experience in five market sectors: Leisure, Business, Education, Public Service and Retail.
The company is based at:
17 Rufus Business Centre
Ravensbury Terrace
London
SW18 4RL
United Kingdom
T : +44 (0) 20 8879 8354
F : +44 (0) 870 762 8985
www.vendia-group.com
info@vendia-group.com