William Shakeshaft – Managing Director
Will joined as Crisping Potato Manager in 2001 and then established and managed various Greens of Soham businesses including turf, red beet and other specialist vegetable cropping. Will has been Director of Spearhead Marketing since 2014 and was made Managing Director of the entire UK business in 2019.
Shaun Hancke – UK Chief Finance Officer
Shaun joined the UK team in 2022 to focus on the financial strategy and futureproofing of the business. Shaun brought with him many years of manufacturing and food production finance experience. Shaun oversees many projects in the business, each resulting in efficiencies and time and cost savings.
Greg Colebrook – Director, Greens Farming
Greg joined as an Assistant Manager of the Spearhead Marketing business in 2013 and since then Greg has been responsible for the entire beetroot business becoming a Director in 2018. He has now grown the farming business to be a successful provider of red and brown ware onions as well as wheat and barley. Greg is also a Sainsbury’s Soil Scholar.
Mike Higson – Director, DC Produce
Mike joined the Company in 1984 as a Management Trainee. He is now The Beetroot Commercial Manager and works with new and existing customers to ensure that quantity and quality are of the highest standards. Mike was made a Director of DC Produce in 2013.
Craig Uttridge – Director, Greenseed and Spearhead Marketing
Craig joined the Greens of Soham team initially as Supply Chain Manager in 2014. Craig manages the entire Spearhead operation of washing and grading as well as key customer accounts and relationships and also works with new and existing growers and supports the Greens technical team. Craig now overseas the entire commerce for Greenseed International and Spearhead Marketing. Craig also manages the Health & Safety of the UK business.
Darren Mackie – Director, Greenseed and Spearhead Marketing
Darren joined the Company in 1999 and became Head of Technical for the potato business in 2018, then a Director in 2021. Darren also supports the rest of the Greens businesses and works closely with managers to ensure that disease is monitored and is also keen on developing new varieties where possible.
James Planton – Operational Finance Director, UK
James joined the business in 2014 as Financial Controller and in 2020 took over as Finance Director with a move then to focus on Operational Finance in 2022. James manages the operational finance as well as working closely with the Central Top Farms team to ensure deadlines and requirements are met. James is a fully qualified Accountant and has used his skills and experience to progress his team members to also be on their way to becoming qualified.
Donna Willimott – HR & Payroll Manager
Donna joined the business in 2017 and as well as managing the day-to-day HR and Payroll, oversees business administration, insurance and legal and compliance matters. Donna is an Associate Member of the CIPD and a Mental Health First Aider and Trainer. Donna works closely with YANA and other Mental Health Charities promoting Mental Health support within the farming industry.
Ruth Bell – Supply Chain Manager (Non-Seed)
Ruth joined the business in 2021 and brought with her several years of commercial potato experience. Ruth works closely with farm managers and customers and ensures that size, quality and delivery meet the high expectations. Since joining the business, Ruth has helped the Greenseed business grow from strength to strength and has been a key contributor in all its successes.
Jenny Hookham – Supply Chain Manager (Seed)
After originally joining the business as a Summer Worker, Jenny was then made a permanent member of the team taking on the new role of Supply Chain Manager for Seed in 2022. Jenny works with growers striving to ensure that Seed is of the best quality and grown and stored in the best conditions ready for the customers. Jenny was part of the team in 2023 that won the Branston 22/23 Seed Grower of the Year Award.
To make contact with any of the above please email reception@spearheadgroup.co.uk
For any enquiries relating to employment, recruitment or data protection please email Louise Flack via hr@spearheadgroup.co.uk