Paul Godfrey
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in strategic sales and marketing leadership, demonstrating a strong track record in P&L and EBITDA accountability. Proven ability to drive international sales and export growth through effective contract negotiation and pricing strategy. Skilled in team building and restructuring, product and brand development with engineering teams, and national account strategies. Adept at NPD and product lifecycle management, ensuring customer experience excellence. Experienced in board-level decision making, with a focus on achieving business objectives and fostering innovation.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
Global Sales & Marketing Director
Lincat / Houno (Middleby)
08.2018 - 08.2025
- Company Overview: UK's largest foodservice equipment manufacturer (£56m turnover)
- Developed & executed global sales strategy and EBITDA delivery with full board accountability. With continued growth taking EBITDA from 27% to 34%, sales revenue growth of 48% and material margin to 59%
- Leading sales, marketing, export team and customer service with 30+ people and 8 direct reports from my leadership team
- Key role in post-merger integration of IMC factory into Lincat
- Restructured UK team (-40% headcount) while maintaining revenue and increasing profitability
- Introduced pricing strategy improvements and rebate incentives for the partner network
- A key role with engineering and NPD team for new product innovation on over 20 new products
- Led £1.5m NPD initiatives during COVID period
- Previously Group Export Manager (12 months)
UK Director
Socamel UK
06.2017 - 08.2018
- Company Overview: Mobile food logistics provider for healthcare (Guillin Group France)
- Delivered 12.5% turnover growth within 7 months
- Reduced freight costs (↓50%), warranty claims (↓60%), and stock (↓20%)
- Fixed payroll and pension issues; nurtured a positive, engaged team culture
- Secured two of the largest orders in company history, achieving record turnover
- Improved demo product policy and introduced new inventory controls
Lainox UK Brand Director
Dawson Food Service Equipment (Ali Group)
01.2016 - 06.2017
- Revitalised neglected Lainox division; built national brand awareness
- Cut costs: stock (↓60%), travel expenses (↓30%), training (↓60%)
- Reclaimed 6 major dealer accounts (~£2m value)
- Secured largest UK distributer (Nisbets) as a partner
- Established 7 national demonstration sites
- Developed new UK pricing and marketing strategy
Product Manager
Hobart Cooking Solutions (ITW Group)
01.1999 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Manufacturer of professional premium catering equipment (£13m turnover)
- Worked with global factories (US, Europe, China) on R&D and product development
- Managed national accounts (TGI Fridays, Nando's, M&B, etc.)
- Delivered consistent sales growth:
- 2012: +8% (£0.6m)
- 2013: +4% (£0.4m)
- 2014: +16% (£1.6m)
- 2015: +10% (£1.16m)
- Reduced inventory from 6.5–8%
- Led McDonald's global project for Compact Combi Oven
- Project managed ITV's Hell's Kitchen with Marco Pierre White
- Delivered European sales training in France
- National Sales Manager Cooking (2007–2009)
- National Account Manager (2005–2007)
- Catering Specialist (1999–2005)
Sales Executive – Business Development
Kraft Jacobs Suchard
01.1997 - 01.1999
Skills
- Strategic Sales & Marketing Leadership
- P&L and EBITDA Accountability
- Team Building & Restructuring
- Product & Brand Development with engineering teams
- Contract Negotiation & Pricing Strategy
- International Sales & Export Growth
- National account strategies and development
- NPD & Product Lifecycle Management
- Customer Experience Excellence
- Board-Level Decision Making
Hobbies and Interests
Paddle every Sunday, Enjoy competitive sports: running, cycling, badminton, hill walking, Passionate about motorcycles – enjoy road touring and events, Completed charity 10K and Shrewsbury Half Marathon
Timeline
Global Sales & Marketing Director
Lincat / Houno (Middleby)
08.2018 - 08.2025
UK Director
Socamel UK
06.2017 - 08.2018
Lainox UK Brand Director
Dawson Food Service Equipment (Ali Group)
01.2016 - 06.2017
Product Manager
Hobart Cooking Solutions (ITW Group)
01.1999 - 01.2016
Sales Executive – Business Development
Kraft Jacobs Suchard
01.1997 - 01.1999
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