Management reshuffle at Covent Garden

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA), the organisation that owns and runs New Covent Garden Market (NCGM), has announced a restructure of its management team as it aims to become a leaner, more agile organisation with a focus on the future and partnerships.

Having navigated one of the most disruptive periods in its 350-year history, CGMA has quickly switched focus to the future. After a period of evaluation, the UK’s largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and cut flower market has identified new roles, including a new General Manager who will report to the Executive Chairman.

CGMA believes that its new structure will enable it to foster stronger partnerships with all its stakeholders, including the market traders. It will also enable it to deliver its ongoing redevelopment project on-time and in-line with tenant’s requirements.

As part of the immediate changes to the management David Frankish, who was appointed as Chairman of the Board last year, will become interim Executive Chairman to oversee and ensure a smooth transition.

Jo Breare will step up from Operations Manager to become the market’s new General Manager, with a responsibility for managing relationships with current and future tenants, as well as the day-to-day running of the market. Rebecca Barrett becomes Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Communications to develop partnerships and bring added expertise that benefits traders. Tony O’Reilly will continue as Project Director, overseeing the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market, while two new finance and legal roles will be created.

After a period of consultation, a small number of CGMA’s senior management roles have also been removed. Daniel Tomkinson, who was the CEO, will leave the organisation, along with a further three members of staff, including the Finance and Property Directors, as the organisation transitions to a new organisational structure.

Commenting on the changes David Frankish, Executive Chairman of CGMA,said:  “We have a rich heritage as UK’s leading fruit, vegetable and flower wholesale market. We want to maintain this, but it is important that we look to the future and ensure we are in a position to support our tenants and run a successful New Covent Garden Market.  Our ambition is to bring together expertise that is mutually beneficial to our tenants and CGMA. We strongly believe that our redeveloped market and new team structure will make New Covent Garden Market an even better place for the UK fresh produce and floristry industries to do business.”