New chief executive announced for the Craft Bakers Association

New chief executive announced for the Craft Bakers Association

The new chief executive of the Craft Bakers Association (CBA) has been announced as Karen Dear.

Karen Dear has been with the CBA for almost 23 years, most recently in the role of Director of Operations.

She took up her new role on Monday 3rd April and will be responsible for driving further growth and expansion of the CBA and its services.

During her 22 years with the CBA, Karen has covered all roles within the association and is CIPD qualified in HR and Employment Law. Ardent about raising the profile of the industry, she regularly consults with the government to ensure the craft bakery sector voice is heard.

Members of the CBA own and run over 6000 shops throughout Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

FUTURE GROWTH

In a statement, chairman of the CBA Nick Harris congratulated Karen on her new position.

“We are delighted to announce that Karen Dear has been appointed chief executive of the CBA in recognition of her dedicated service and leadership to the organisation,” he said.

“The appointment supports our ambitious future growth and development goals, whilst enabling us to build for the future.”

Karen said she was looking forward to taking up the CEO role at what she said was “an exciting time for the CBA”.

“My new role will enable me to focus on growing the organisation, whilst also ensuring CBA membership continues to be valuable to all our members and industry supporters,” she said.

CBA BUSINESS DAY

The Craft Bakers Association is also inviting craft bakers and bakery industry supporters to attend its first event for four years on Wednesday 14th June. The dynamic and engaging Business Day event is set to empower bakers to future-proof their business with a varied programme including presentations from industry experts on key topics.

There will also be a bakery competition to crown the CBA’s Champion Baker and Member of the Year.

If you wish to attend you can contact events@craftbakersassociation.co.uk or visit craftbakersassociation.co.uk/events