Copernus, a supplier of chilled fish to retailer Lidl UK and the owner of the Hooked On Fish brand, appointed Manideep Sandupatla as its new corporate social responsibility (CSR) and technical director at its rapidly expanding headquarters in Hull, England.
Sandupatla joins Copernus from Samworth Brothers, whose consumer brands include the Cornish pasty maker Ginsters, malt loaf Soreen, the West Cornwall Pasty Co., and sports nutrition brand SCI-MX.
Previously he has held senior technical roles at major seafood companies, including Young’s Seafood, Associated Seafood, Cumbrian Seafood and Dawnfresh Seafood.
With a masters degree in food biotechnology and microbiology, Sandupatla brings 16 years of industry experience to Copernus’ senior leadership team.
Sandupatla is an expert in leading technical functions across food and beverage manufacturing and will further strengthen business operations, the company said.
The creation of this new role follows a sustained period of significant growth at Copernus.
Increased volume and the construction of an extension at the east coast site will be managed by Sandupatla to meet the businesses’ growth and strategic objectives.
“Manideep has a deep understanding of the specific technical and operational needs of seafood,” said Dean Simpson, managing director at Copernus.
“His role and expertise will be crucial in supporting with the further development of our business operations, as well as the execution of our long-term growth strategy.”
