Paul Lindley

Paul Lindley started the babyfood company in 2006

Ella’s Kitchen founder Paul Lindley is to step down from the company.

Lindley started the organic babyfood company, which is named after his daughter, in 2006. He handed over the reins to current CEO Mark Cuddigan almost four years ago, after Ella’s Kitchen was sold to Hain Celestial in 2013 for an undisclosed sum, but has continued to be actively involved in its “direction, mission and impact”.

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However, he has now decided to “fully move away from the company”, resigning as director and stepping down as chairman.

“I do this in the huge comfort that Mark and the team have the strategy, mind set and skillset to build and build the business, whilst keeping the founding mission at heart,” Lindley told The Grocer.

“I’m so proud of the team and optimistic for our continued financial, impact and mission successes.”

Elsewhere, Lindley sits on the board of a number of organisations, such as Toast Ale, as well as being chair of Robert F Kennedy Human Rights UK. “I remain a passionate advocate for business being a better force for good in society, and for children’s welfare, including the ongoing children’s obesity challenge - and will continue to use platforms and opportunities to advocate around these issues,” Lindley added.

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His first book, Little Wins: The Huge Power of Thinking Like a Toddler, was published in April last year.

Ella’s Kitchen currently has 216 products made from 100% organic ingredients suitable for babies aged from four months to three-plus years, with listings across the major UK supermarkets and internationally.

The brand has committed to making all of its pouches fully recyclable by 2024.

It is working with other businesses on a more environmentally friendly alternative to its plastic and aluminium packaging, which should be ready in six years’ time.

Read more: Ella’s Kitchen records 11th successive year of double-digit growth