Crosta Mollica MD Jack Rutherford on HFSS, shoplifting and Robbie Williams

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Jack Rutherford crosta Headshot V1

Name: Jack Rutherford

Job title: Managing director, UK & Ireland

Company: Crosta Mollica

What was your first job? I worked on the shop floor in the Leeds branch of Millets, the outdoor clothing specialist, when I was 16 years old for £3.47 per hour.

Less than an hour into my very first shift a man politely asked me if he could try on the most expensive jacket in the store. I disabled the alarm and gave it to him, only to watch him put it on and walk straight out without paying. It got a lot better after that!

What’s been your worst job interview? Continuing a theme, I once had my phone and wallet stolen on the way to a job interview so it would have to be that. Amazingly, I still managed to get the job.

“Whilst well-intentioned, I think we’re getting regulation like HFSS wrong”

What was the first music single you bought? I really can’t remember. I do remember getting the Robbie Williams album Sing When You’re Winning and a Linkin Park album with my first ever CD player.

How do you describe your job to your friends? Travelling pizza salesman.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? By miles, it’s being part of a team and seeing the people around me deliver amazing things.

Crosta Mollica pizza Margherita CH NPT

What is the least rewarding part? Doing expenses.

What is your motto in life? Remain in motion.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A driver. That’s speaking as someone who spends a lot of time on the notoriously ‘reliable’ UK rail network.

Do you have any phobias? I’m not good with mice.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Whilst well-intentioned, I think we’re getting regulation like HFSS wrong. I’ve no doubt there have been some positive consequences, but I believe we need to focus on a much more holistic view of health. How do we educate people and incentivise them to buy healthy, sustainable, nutritious foods and lead active lifestyles?

I also believe we need to have an honest conversation about the ethics of factory farming.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A decent speaker and access to a music streaming service.

What’s your favourite film and why? Mulholland Drive by David Lynch because it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever seen and, every time I put it on, I can’t stop watching it.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? My answer to this question has always been Alan Shearer, although I have no idea what we’d be working on.

What would your death row meal be? Pizza night at home with my wife and kids – Crosta Mollica, of course.