Testimonials

Mark and the Blue Rice team supported our search for a UK Managing Director. I was impressed by not only their understanding of the brief but also the ability to bring a range of candidates that had a diversity of experience / capability and challenged our initial profile. I have worked with many recruitment agencies in last few years but have to give Blue Rice top marks and I personally enjoyed the interactions, council and professionalism demonstrated throughout by Mark. Would definitely use again!

Gregor Forbes
CEO
Ethical Brands

In a competitive market where, top talent is hard to find, Mark will put in the hard yards to meet his candidates and find out what truly makes them tick. His passion, integrity and in-depth knowledge of the food industry means that he’s a trusted advocate when addressing our commercial recruitment needs.

Peter Hall
President USA - Away from Home & Ingredients
Kraft Heinz Company

I couldn’t be more impressed with the whole process. They really listened to my hopes, career aspirations & understood what I was looking for - they didn’t apply a one size fits all approach & really sought out a company that exceeded my expectations! If you’re looking for a highly professional & super-approachable service then look no further.

Ella Blake
Sales Director - Global Accounts & Americas
Beam Suntory

Responsive and proactive, and also provides the level of honesty and integrity that is essential when recruiting the right people for our business.

Jonathan Plows
Sales Director - Off Trade
Suntory Global Spirits

From the first contact, right through to being settled in my new role, the attitude, strategic thinking and communication skills were second to none.

Jenna Hodgson-Silke
Global Marketing Operations Manager
Arla Foods

Mark was my contact as I moved to Innocent. He kept me well informed every step of the way and facilitated the process excellently.

Dave Ashton
Commercial Director - UK
Valeo Foods

A brilliant knowledge of the industry and a deep understanding of what makes both organisations and individuals tick.

Catherine Lloyd
Regional Director - Marketing & Strategy
Reckitt

A strong track record of placing candidates in our organisation, including myself, and understands our people needs. Straight talking and honest he is someone I can trust.

Ross Warnes
Vice President - Sales
Kraft Heinz Company

I highly recommend Mark and his consultative approach. I have known him for a few years now, we have regularly kept in touch as he provides a good selection of roles and candidates within the international arena. Mark is a committed professional who works hard for you and your business.

Lee Hemmings
Sales Director UK & International
Belvoir Farm Drinks

I have turned to Mark for commercial recruitment needs and advice for nearly a decade, many of the people he has appointed have progressed well within our structures and are still adding value today.

Jonathan Dixon
Senior Vice President - UK Sales
Arla Foods

Straight away he built a strong relationship and really made an effort to understand my longer term career aspirations in order to make sure he selected the right job for me. I definitely recommend Mark to either help you find your next challenge or to help you find the right talent for your team.

Jonny Davys
General Manager UK&I
Dr Wolff Group

Mark is a rare character in his profession. I worked with him to secure my commercial leadership role at WG&S, and the best compliment I can give is that he genuinely listens to both his clients and candidates. This quickly builds a high level of trust, one based on integrity, authenticity and openness. I've stayed in touch with Mark and would happily recommend, instruct or use him again.

James Pannett
Commercial Director UK & ROI
William Grant & Sons

Mark is outstanding in his field and I cannot speak highly enough of his considered approach to recruitment. In my recent experience, he took great care to understand the needs and personalities of both client and candidate - which combined with his extensive industry knowledge and network, built huge trust. At every step of the way, I always knew I was in safe hands with Mark due to his credibility, attentiveness and transparency. I would recommend Mark without hesitation.

Tom Franklin
Commercial Director - Foodservice - Northern Europe
Kraft Heinz Company

Mark at Blue Rice recently helped us recruit a Commercial Director - UK & ROI for VFC. The quality of the shortlist was so strong that we could have hired any one of them! I have no hesitation in recommending Mark, and will be working with him again as we expand our Senior Leadership Team.

Matthew Glover
Founder / Owner
The Vegan Food Group, VFC & Veganuary

Mark is somebody that I have known for the majority of my career and importantly somebody that I trust completely. He listens brilliantly and quickly understands our talent needs.

Dino Labbate
Commercial Director – Hospitality
Britvic GB

I highly recommend Mark as a great search consultant. I have known him for a several years and we have built a close working relationship. He influences high profile candidates and manages varied leadership opportunities both UK & internationally.

Ben Smith
Senior Category Director - Core Chilled & Frozen
Asda

We could not recommend utilising an expert when scaling your business and recruiting for senior positions, more highly. We have successfully appointed an exceptional Managing Director and a superb Head of Marketing. We also have a new Head of Sales starting in September 2022. That's 3 from 3 for us, and we couldn't be more grateful. To invest in the recruitment process is a must for 3 main reason. Getting it right first time saves a lot of money. The quality of candidate is exceptional. Time saved on not sifting through 100 applications. Thanks Mark and the Blue Rice team. We will be using you again soon! 

Dean Adamson
CEO
Mummy Meegz - Vegan Kitchen

Blue Rice found me a role that I wouldn’t normally have found in a different sector but I absolutely love it and it’s given me a great challenge. I would highly recommend Mark to find your next challenge or find the right person for your team.

Emma King
Director of QSR, Dining & Wholesale
Britvic GB

Mark showed a deep understanding of the role, organisation’s strategic agenda and culture and was able to articulate this to me openly and transparently. He took the time to understood my situation, personal ambitions and needs and was able to guide me throughout the process in a calm, professional and supportive way. I would not hesitate to work with Mark again or recommend him to organisations and individuals.

Suzie Dixon
Director of Convenience & Impulse
Britvic GB

I am delighted to recommend Mark at Blue Rice who placed me in an incredible role quickly and smoothly. From the introduction call through to the offer, the communication was great. l found Mark to be truly professional, he ensured he understood my requirements and matched them to the opportunities available. Mark is very personable, supportive, provides great counsel and insight, and I would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Dan Wheeler
Head of Marketing
Life Health Foods

Mark is an excellent recruitment consultant. I have worked with him on team recruitment, and finding roles for me personally. In fact he placed me in my current and previous role. He understands FMCG recruitment and takes the stress out of finding the right candidates as an employer. He's a great communicator and keeps in touch with regular updates. I would recommend working with Mark in a heart beat.

Alison Reilly
Director of Marketing
Belvoir Farm Drinks