R&R - Management Board

James Lambert (Executive Chairman/CEO)

One of the founders and directors since 1987, James' priority is helping to lead and build a worthwhile organisation that gives job fulfillment and career progression to colleagues. He's also passionate about creating so many new and innovative ice cream products.  James believes the success behind the company lies in its strategic focus and optimum use of resources to deliver outstanding growth. In addition, the teamwork that takes place throughout the business is vital in delivering performance and change.  His hobbies include playing and watching practically any sport that needs a ball, as well as country pursuits with his two dogs and listening to loud music. His favourite R&R products are Kelly's Clotted Cream and the Asda Loaded range.

Andy Finneran (Finance Director)

Initially a director of Treats Group plc which merged with Richmond in 1998, Andy is renowned for being a perfectionist where numbers are concerned. The impressive growth of the company he's been part of since joining Treats in 1991 makes him passionate about the business' continued success. He was awarded Yorkshire Finance Director of the Year in 2006 on the back of the de-listing of Richmond Foods plc and the sale of the business to Oaktree.  Andy believes the secret of the company's success lies in a clear strategy, trying to keep things simple and the teamwork of all colleagues driving it towards a profitable, working reality. He also believes humour is part of the reason for the teams' success despite being the target for most of Ibrahims' jokes!  Andy is a bit of a gym-aholic and his hobbies include rugby, horse racing, golf, football (especially Manchester United) and taxiing his three boys around. His favourite R&R product is Toffee Crumble.

Ibrahim Najafi (CEO Europe/Chief Operating Officer)

Ibrahim joined the business in 1998, and was appointed to the board in 2000. Since then he has guided and developed the teams responsible for building and running the most modern and efficient ice cream manufacturing plants in both the UK and across mainland Europe.  Since 2009 he has been responsible, as CEO Europe, for the growth and development of the business in Germany, France and Poland.  Ibrahim loves the diverse and exciting challenges that his role brings every day.  Outside work, Ibrahim enjoys keeping fit whether running or playing basketball, he is also very keen on travel as well as DIY where his engineering skills and perfectionism clearly shows through in all his many projects. His favourite R&R product is a Smarties Cone.

Mike Fraine (UK Sales Director)

Having joined Richmond back in 1990, Mike is well-placed to identify the key ingredients in the company's success story. And his verdict? Vision, ambition, urgency, 'never-say-die' culture and an ongoing appetite for growth.  In his spare time, Mike likes to play cricket, keep fit, watch his son play sport and support his favourite football team, Manchester City. His favourite R&R product is Nobbly Bobbly.

Phil Griffin (UK Marketing Director)

Having joined R&R in 2001, Phil spent 6 years at Fox's Biscuits (Northern Foods), to work in the R&R Commercial team.  Phil moved to the posistion of UK Marketing Director in 2008.  Originally from Liverpool, he became an adopted Yorkshireman while at University in Leeds studying for a Zoology degree, with post grad in business from Nottingham Trent.  He has played semi professional rugby union for Leeds and Otley over a 10 year period and since retiring from rugby have become a keen cyclist whilst enjoying family life with 3 kids.  His favourite product is Kellys Dairy Vanilla!

Peter Pickthall (HR Director)

A director since 2001, Peter is passionate about ensuring the company treats everyone fairly, keeps them safe whilst at work and raises their skills and abilities through training. He believes that creating the opportunity for growth and development provides staff with fulfilling careers in the company. He is also committed to ensuring that environmentally we operate responsibly and reduce our carbon footprint.  When he finds the time, Peter loves sailing his yacht off the shores of Scotland's beautiful west coast. His favourite R&R products are Mivvi and the Kelly Cornish dairy products.

Bob Bigley (Corporate Development Director)

Bob joined us in June 2010 to help our development through out Europe. R&R has a track record of successful acquisitions and with a background in mergers and finance spanning many years, he is looking forward to continuing the tradition of welcoming ice cream businesses into the R&R Group and taking us into new countries.  Away from the office, Bob tries to get to the golf course, and likes walking and travelling - which is just as well given his role. His favourite R&R products are Spoony's Cookies and Cream ice cream and Thorntons' Sticks.

Lionel Rolland (CEO France)

Lionel has been with R&R since June 2010 through the acquisition of the Rolland family business.  Lionel was born into ice cream since my father started his business in 1977 when he was two years old. Having done almost every job within his company since he was a child he knows what it takes to run an ice cream business.  Lionel believes success in ice cream lies in quality, innovation and offering the best service.  Lionel's job involves flexibility, perseverance, rigor, good contact with the team and a permanent client oriented approach.  Lionel enjoys providing the team with tools that makes their work easier and more efficient especially in IT. Lionel doesn't have one but several favourite products among which the Andros strawberry sorbet stick bar and the 1848 chocolate and pecan bar. French products of course!

Gerrit Schuurman (CFO Europe)

Gerrit joined R&R in June 2007 having gained a broad international experience from various consumer products businesses across Europe, which means he speaks several languages; however, he also likes the facts to do the talking.  Gerrit is passionate about building the European platform to support the unique growth opportunity of R&R's ice cream business. He believes it is initiative, openness and committed teams that make things happen.  When time and weather permit, Gerrit plays tennis and also likes skiing - a typical Dutch sport - as well as the mandatory football with his four sons.  Gerrit's favourite ice-creams are frozen yoghurt and pistachio.