Northern Bloc has appointed Jenny McMillan as managing director, following its acquisition by Bidcorp last summer.
Effective from 28 June, McMillan will replace co-founder Dirk Mischendahl, who will step down after 11 years at the business’ helm to focus on his next passion project.
McMillan will oversee the running of Northern Bloc, working in partnership with Mischendahl’s co-founder Josh Lee.
McMillan, who joined Northern Bloc as head of finance in 2021, brought “deep financial and strategic expertise to the role”, underpinned by her earlier career at PwC, where she specialised in supporting SMEs through growth, transformation, and operational evolution.
McMillan had already played “a pivotal role in shaping the business, as it transitioned from a startup to an SME”, said Northern Bloc.
Most notably, McMillan oversaw Northern Bloc’s move to its new, purpose-built factory on North Street in Leeds, doubling capacity and laying the foundations for expansion.
The leadership shake-up comes after Bidcorp bought the trade and assets of Northern Bloc last June for an undisclosed sum.
“It’s the right time for me to step away from Northern Bloc, leaving the business in Jenny and Josh’s very capable hands,” said Mischendahl.
“It means a lot to me that the role has been filled internally and by a woman.
“The new structure allows Josh to focus his efforts on what he loves to do: ice cream alchemy and innovation.”
McMillian added: “Josh and I make a formidable team.
“With his branding, sales and product innovation expertise, coupled with my corporate and governance experience, we’re incredibly well placed to take Northern Bloc into a new era.”
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