LUCINDA Bruce-Gardyne, the founder of Genius Foods, has been appointed as the new chairman for Scotland Food & Drink, the industry leadership body.

Ms Bruce-Gardyne, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry as a chef, teacher, entrepreneur and board director, takes over from Dennis Overton who has held the role since 2018 and is scheduled to stand down in November.

The Scotland Food & Drink board guides the strategic development and delivery of the organisation’s goals and comprises senior businesspeople from across the sector.

Ms Bruce-Gardyne trained as a chef at Leith’s School of Food and Wine and went on to run a private catering company in Italy and London before returning to a teaching role at Leith’s.

In 2008, she founded Genius Foods, the “free from” bakery brand after discovering a lack of gluten-free options catering to her son’s gluten intolerance.

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Genius remains based in West Lothian and caters to customers across the UK, Europe, Australia, and America.

Ms Bruce-Gardyne recently stepped down from the business to pursue other interests.

Ms Bruce-Gardyne said: “It’s an honour to be appointed chair of Scotland Food & Drink, an industry which is not only crucial to the success of our economy, but a fundamental pillar in who we are as a country.

“Dennis has been an outstanding servant to the organisation and industry. He was one of the architects of Scotland Food & Drink and its ambitions. I plan to work with the rest of the board and the organisation’s key partners to continue the invaluable work he’s done in building resilience within the sector and driving sustainable growth.

Mr Overton hailed the appointment, adding: “Being involved in Scotland Food & Drink from inception to where it is now has been one of the most enjoyable and satisfying chapters of my working life. “