Lucy Balmer has joined English Provender Company as innovation director.

In the newly created role, Balmer will head up the company’s NPD and marketing departments. Her appointment follows the opening of the English Provender Company Innovation Centre in July.

Balmer has 18 years’ experience as a product developer, working for M&S, Sainsbury’s, Dorset Cereals and Tyrrells. She has run her own food consultancy since 2009.

“The new role supports our three-year growth strategy,” said MD Stephen Hughes. “Lucy will be innovating for growth in both retail own label and branded sectors, as well as developing our B2B business.”