Siân Holt steps down as MD of Fudge Kitchen

August 9, 2023

Fudge Kitchen have announced their “sadness” as Managing Director Siân Holt has had to step down from her position following a sudden illness. This comes after her forty-year journey founding and building the confectionery business.

Siân’s vision and commitment to creating quality confectionery, the company wrote, has been instrumental into shaping Fudge Kitchen into the producer it is today.

Following her departure, the Managing Director role passes to Linsey Priestley. Linsey steps itno the role to ensure the continuity and growth of Fudge Kitchen. Having served as the company’s Finance Manager since 2020, Linsey brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having been a part of the company’s success during the turbulent years of the pandemic.

Her understanding of the company’s values, operations and financial intricacies will be instrumental in leading the company forward while remaining dedicated to Siân’s legacy.

Proud and confident of the team she has built over the years, Siân made an announcement in 2022 about her intention to step away from the business to spend more time with family. Linsey’s appointment as Managing Director aligns with the company ethos of collaboration, innovation and shared success.

“We are excited to welcome Linsey Priestley as our new Managing Director,” said Richard Parson, newly appointed Marketing and Brand Director at Fudge Kitchen. “Her diligence, strong leadership skills, and intimate knowledge of both companies make her the ideal candidate to steer us into the future. We are confident that under Linsey’s guidance, the Fudge Kitchen Group will continue to thrive and uphold the values that have made us such a beloved brand.”

In addition to Linsey’s appointment, Fudge Kitchen also announced a series of new directorships promoted from within, solidifying the company’s leadership team. Joining as Wholesale Director is Rupert Allinson, with a deep understanding of the wholesale market. Ian McCluskey takes on the role of Retail Director, with fourteen years in the business under his belt. Completing the roster is Richard Parson, who was appointed as Marketing and Brand Director, whose strategic vision and creative expertise will continue to elevate brand presence to new heights, the company has said.

“I know that Siân will be delighted with these new appointments, and I have full faith in their joint ability to both retain what Siân has created over the last forty years. I am certain that they will continue to be worthy successors to her and will be well placed under Linsey’s leadership to take Siân’s legacy well into the future,” concluded Martin Wise, Siân’s husband and interim Managing Director of Fudge Kitchen. Martin is moving to the post of Executive Chairman.

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