Meat Business Women appoints first managing director

Meat Business Women has appointed Joanna Parnell as its first managing director, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s growth.

Parnell brings extensive strategic and commercial experience to the professional network for women in the meat supply chain.

She has held roles across brand, agency, consultancy, and board-level leadership, delivering transformation programmes, leading agency teams to deliver growth, and advising c-suite leaders on organisational change.

The organisation said the appointment reflects its commitment to expanding its impact and strengthening its capacity to deliver initiatives such as the Food Business Charter.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Meat Business Women at such a pivotal time,” said Parnell. “The organisation has already achieved so much in driving gender balance and building a connected global community.

“I’m excited to bring my experience of transformation and growth to help deliver even more value for our members, partners and the wider food industry.”

Parnell will work closely with the team to strengthen the value delivered to members and partners while also driving growth across the wider food sector.

She will also provide financial and strategic oversight to ensure long-term sustainability.

“We are delighted to share that we are enhancing our leadership capacity by bringing on a managing director to support our next stage of growth,” said Meat Business Women founder and global chair Laura Ryan. “I will continue to remain heavily involved as global chair, ensuring continuity while strengthening the team to deliver even greater impact for our partners and community.

“Joanna’s depth of knowledge and strategic perspective will enable us to build on our successes and continue to grow our influence globally.”