MEET OUR TEAM

CAMERON RIGG

Co-Founder & 'The Student Person'

Hi, I’m Cam and I’ve been interested in food as long as I can remember, baking up a storm in my grannies kitchen!

I studied Food and Nutrition at Sheffield Hallam University and completed a year in industry in Technical at Pizza Hut Europe.

After a short stint in Technical within Manufacturing at Fletchers Bakery, I re-joined Pizza Hut Europe in Product Development, working on development projects for the UK & Ireland arms of the business.

Knowing my heart was in Development, and growing up with Co-op in my life (my mum has worked in a Co-op store since I was a baby!), the North came calling again and I joined Co-op Food as a Product Developer back in 2017 & I am still here today!

I am super motivated by supporting students to realise their potential, and support students in finding their first job in the industry.

CATHERINE PINTILIE

Co-Founder & 'The Data/People Person'

Hi everyone, I’m Catherine and I run Flourish in Food alongside the team. I work for a South Africa Avocado Farm, responsible for sales and logistics in UK and Europe. I love avocados and my favourite way to eat them is in guacamole!

I used to be Supply Chain Director at Fruit Logic, a fruit packing operation. We packed fruit and vegetables for the Supermarkets. Prior to this, I was Buying Manager for Taco Bell Europe, buying all of the products from beef and tortillas to drinks and cups and even bought furniture!

I studied Geography and Management at the University of Leeds, including a year in industry working for Sainsbury’s in Marketing. I re-joined permanently after graduating on the Commercial Graduate Scheme. I worked as a Food Buyer at Sainsbury’s for 10 years and it was here that I discovered my passion for fresh produce as the Grapes, Citrus and Avocado Buyer. Part of my role was to travel the world to meet the growers and visit farms – definitely a career highlight!

I am passionate about supporting students on their route into the Food Industry and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds. I am particularly motivated by being a mentor and role model for young women.

JOANNE ELSDON

Co-Founder & 'The Partnerships Person'

Hi, I'm Jo and have worked in the food industry for over 25 years having studied Applied Consumer Science at Manchester Met Uni, and a Masters in Human Nutrition at the University of Sheffield.

Having started my career managing the quality of pies and sausage rolls for Northern Foods, I quickly moved into product development where I discovered my passion for creating. Over the years I've worked for a number of manufacturers and retailers including Cadbury Trebor Bassett, Asda, Morrisons, Coop, Symingtons and Greencore and across many product areas (one of my favourites being cake!)

I'm super passionate about the industry, and especially product development but it is still quite an unknown career path. People love to hear about my role, and how I got into the industry, so I am keen to spread the word on what a fantastic industry it is! I love to help young people to discover their future and am keen to help anyone who feels they have got more to learn and who wants to grow to be the best they can be.

CLAIRE MARTINO

'The Getting Things Done Person'

I'm Claire and work as a Head of Marketing at Bakkavor, where we make a wide variety of products such as meals, desserts, soups, dips, salads, pizzas and garlic bread.

My role is varied, but it's really all about understanding market trends and ensuring that we keep the shopper and their needs at the heart of the decisions we make. I studied languages and business at uni and my first role was using my languages in a large multinational company, but I quickly learned that I didn't really relate to their products so after 2 years, I left to join Bakkavor!

After completing a leadership training programme, I have become really passionate about my own personal development as well as that of others.

I first joined Flourish as a mentor to share my experience and have gained so much from it that I wanted to help even more. I've now joined the Flourish team to help widen their programme beyond graduates/early years and ensure more people in the food industry get to benefit from having a mentor.

CAITLIN CANNON

'The Digital Person'

Hi guys, I’m Caitlin and currently work as a Marketing Executive for the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

I’ve always been super passionate about the food industry, stemming from my Home Economics lessons at school, to then going on to study Food Marketing and Business Economics at the University of Reading, and now being within the industry as a career.

My current role has touch-points in digital (website/social), copywriting, project management and being across campaign work. I love how varied it is and how every week I pick up new knowledge and experiences. The industry is forever changing so it's never boring!

My Flourish journey began as a mentee, which I found such a valuable experience that I was keen to get more involved. Now I am part of the team to help promote Flourish through our digital channels, so even more foodies can become part of the scheme.

IMOGEN YEATS

Social Media Assistant

I’m Immi and I’m currently working as an undergraduate studying Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds.

My first experience with Flourish in Food was as a mentee which I found to be worthwhile experience that helped me to widen my knowledge of the range of opportunities available in the food industry. I believe it can be such a beneficial opportunity for students and others looking to gain insight into the food industry.

My current role is Social Media assistant where I work alongside Caitlin to promote the program on different social media platforms. I am passionate about the food industry and want to encourage others to get involved and see what’s out there for them.