Founders of Goodfellow & Goodfellow Ltd., Paul and Valda Goodfellow have appointed a new CEO.
Jean-Michel Dixte, who has international experience in the hotel sector, took up his new role on 1st April.
Both Valda and Paul will remain with the business in key advisory roles to ensure G&G’s future success and to drive key customer and supplier relationships.
“We love this business and feel it is the right time to bring in an energetic new CEO to drive growth. We will be fully involved in the strategic and tactical elements of our growth plan,” says Valda.
The husband-and-wife powerhouse started the company in 2012, following their exit from Continental Chef Supplies in 2011, which they sold in 2008.
G&G quickly became the market leader for chefs with discerning tastes in tableware, and the now multi-million-pound business has sustained a loyal clientele including Michelin-starred chefs, celebrity chefs, five-star hotels and high-quality contract caterers.
Valda and Paul’s dedication to innovation and personal service has seen the business thrive year-on-year.
“In the last two years we have moved the operation into bigger premises, overseen the implementation of new ERP software, and developed a new website – so we feel the business is in the strongest shape for future expansion,” added Valda.
Having sold their shares to EF of France, in 2024, Valda and Paul are both confident the company has the backing it needs to reach important new markets.
Paul, who will continue to work with key accounts, says: “This is an exciting development in the G&G story and our customers are more like friends, so l will continue to work with them for a long time yet.
“It is important that we evolve for a new generation of chefs, and one of our recent initiatives – the Plated competition aimed at chefs under 30 – also encapsulates this”
Valda adds: “Paul and I are delighted to be welcoming Jean-Michel to the team. He has a strong background in the hotel sector and has international experience, which will be valuable as G&G’s reputation and reach increases beyond the UK. We will be introducing him to our suppliers and customers over the coming months, and will continue to advise him and the rest of the team in the long term.”
Contact – Valda Goodfellow – valda.goodfellow@goodf.co.uk
