Meet the Team
Lisa Gawthorne
Since graduating from Sir John Moores University with a 1st Class Honors Degree in Business Studies, Lisa has enjoyed a variety of FMCG Marketing roles at major blue chip companies. Lisa has worked at Leaf UK on the Chewits and Malaco brands, Nichols Foods working with the Vimto, Sunkist & Rani brands, Burtons Foods on their sugar confectionery and branded export biscuits portfolio (Cadburys, Maryland, Wagon Wheels, Jammie Dodgers, Lyons Biscuits) and Cedar Health on their range of natural healthcare products such as Bio Strath, Gluco Tabs and of course Panda Liquorice.
After working in the Cedar Health division of the BBI Group for 5 years and becoming Head of Marketing, Lisa moved to work directly for OY Panda AB in Finland coordinating all marketing activities across the UK, US and Canada. In addition to the FMCG experience gained throughout these roles, Lisa has also been awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Food and Grocery Industry Management run by the IGD. Lisa is also currently on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small businesses program. Outside of work, as well as looking after a very demanding bengal leopard cat “Yoshi” and playing the piano, she competes as a as a runner in numerous races for Liverpool Pembroke Sefton and is on Team GB for her Age Group on both the European and World championship circuits. A committed Vegan and fitness fanatic, Lisa is always on the lookout for the latest healthy vegan products.
Lisa is also author of “Gone in 60 minutes” - the health and fitness saviour book that can be read in just 1 hour and she is a regular contributor to the fitness and vegan press.
Karl Morris
After serving 6 years in the Royal Navy as a maintainer of onboard electronic weapon systems Karl went on to graduate with a 2:1 from the University of Glamorgan where he studied for a BSc degree in Surveying. Karl then embarked on an accelerated sales career and held a number of successful roles in Key Accounts & Sales Management in his own Recruitment business, at Lyreco – Europe’s leading contract stationer and at Flexicare Medical. In addition to a wealth of knowledge and experience in these roles and an unrivalled record of continued sales growth, Karl has also been awarded a Diploma with the Institute of Sales and Marketing (ISM).
After four years as Global Sales Manager at BBI looking after products such as Hypobox, GlucoGel, GlucoTabs and GlucoJuice, Karl became Sales Director when the Cedar Health business joined with BBI and headed up sales on the Panda brand. A strategic business thinker, he is target driven and is committed to achieving challenging goals.
Outside of work you will find him in his Kayak, on a motorbike, on a Jet Ski or running up fells and mountains for fun! One for adventure, Karl is always pushing the boundaries and he always looking for the next exciting product to shape the retail environment.
Gemma Powell
Gemma holds the role of Business Operations Manager in the business and as part of that role she looks after the demand planning function. This involves being the first point of contact to all of the Bravura Foods suppliers; ensuring products are produced in a timely manner and to a high standard in order to satisfy the needs of all customers. Gemma liaises with the suppliers on product specific enquiries to ensure the business has all answers needed to resolve any issue that may arise.
Gemma is fairly new to the FMCG industry and boasts a successful sixteen year manufacturing background. She is keen to use her planning knowledge to ensure goods are produced and delivered to the highest standard, and also keen to learn new skills along the way.
A busy mother of two, Gemma enjoys a good challenge and in particular runs and cycles to keep fit.
Naomi James
Naomi joined the company in September 2018 and makes up part of the Customer Services team based at our head office. She studied Events Management while at university and will look to put her degree into practice within the business.
Although she is new to the FMCG industry she has gained valuable experience from the previous position she held for the last 6 years within the Manufacturing and Retail sector. Outside of work Naomi is a keen fitness fanatic which sees her train 7 days a week. Naomi regularly attends spin classes at her local gym and is always looking for the next challenge to take part in. Running is something she has learnt to enjoy over the last few years and now takes part in monthly or annual challenges to ensure she doesn’t lose her level of fitness.
Aside from everything fitness related Naomi is a proud twin and enjoys city breaks and travelling the world with her sister.
Kate James
Kate joined the company in August 2019 and supports the sales team as well as the marketing team. It’s a role she enjoys as it's constantly changing and involves learning new aspects of the company. Although Kate is new to the FMCG industry, it’s an industry she finds interesting and looks forward to gaining experience at Bravura Foods.
Aside from work Kate enjoys spending time with her family. She also likes to stay fit by exercising regularly with her local gym and running. Kate loves to travel, exploring new countries and experiencing new cultures.
Sharon Kocker
I started with Bravura in January 2020 so am new to the team. My role within Bravura is Accounts assistant and I have worked in accounts for over 20 years and have gained valuable experience within each sector/industry I have worked in.
I enjoy all aspects within Accounts and especially thrive on learning new skills and love challenges and problem solving. I would say that I am professional in my work and enjoy being part of a team. The team here at Bravura is a great one and they have made me feel at home.
I am married to Tony and have two children, a teenage girl of 15 and a 7 year old boy so family time is essential for me. We enjoy going on bike rides together and walks.
Dean Silversides
Dean is Business Development Manager working nationally with a focus on business growth and fostering and developing relationships with customers and other business partners.
Dean has over 30 years’ experience working within the competitive FMCG market, starting his career at the Leicestershire Co-operative Society at 21, as the youngest appointed Store Manager. Dean brings to the role energy and a genuine passion for products, people and business together with a breadth of quality commercial experience. Most recently and prior to joining Bravura Foods Dean spent 10 years at Petty Wood & Co as Field Sales Controller leading a team of TM’s & NAM’s.
Outside of work you will find Dean spending time with his family, supporting his beloved LCFC, on the golf course when he has the time or indulging in his love of travel and food.
