A boss who saved Hull food giant BBF from severe financial difficulty has been named one of the North’s top business leaders.
Jonathan Lill became CEO at the cakes and desserts manufacturer in early 2016, after BBF had been bought by Endless LLP.
At the time of the acquisition, Bright Blue Foods (BBF) teetered on the brink of collapse, but three years later has seen a remarkable change of fortunes.
Implementing a new business strategy, Lill has led the successful turnaround of the company, more than doubling its revenue and overseeing significant investment and acquisition ventures.
The takeover of Greencore PLC’s ambient cake and chilled desserts facility in Hull, completed in February 2018, has culminated in revenues growing from £58m to a run-rate in excess of £150m under Lill’s leadership.
Mr Lill has now been announced as the Transformational Leader of the North at EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Awards.
The awards recognise the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement, celebrating those that are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses.
Mr Lill said: “To be described as a transformational leader is extremely humbling, and I’m thankful to EY for announcing me as the person worthy of this title, representing the North.
“What has ensued over the last three years at BBF has been challenging, eye-opening but ultimately, amazing.
“I might have been at the head of the business, but I have a fantastic team and every single person within it has contributed to our transformation.
“While my name is on the trophy, it really is a company-wide success, and together we hope to achieve even more in coming years.”
A qualified Chartered Management Accountant, with significant M&A experience, Lill has worked in food manufacturing within the UK and Europe for 30 years.
Before joining BBF in early 2016, he spent eight years at Morrison Supermarkets PLC and 19 years at Northern Foods plc in a variety of finance and operational roles.
Having claimed the Northern title, Lill will now proceed to the national finals due to be held in London in September.
Earlier this year, BBF announced it was creating new jobs in Hull after securing £40m of funding.
The food company employs around 1,000 people in Hull, and received the support from Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
BBF serves all the UK’s most recognisable food retailers such as Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, M&S, Aldi and Lidl.
