Expert Advisory Panel

BakeryandSnacks has enlisted an expert Editorial Advisory Board, which will enable the site to maintain its position at the coalface of industry-related news, regulations, new product development and technological development.

Our board comprises senior players specialised in the bakery and snack sectors around the world who will share their insights and expertise on a regular basis to keep our readers informed of the latest industry developments.

The Panel

Sebastian Emig​

Director General, European Snacks Association (ESA)​

Sebastian has been the Director General of ESA since 2012, representing over 200 members from the manufacturing and supplying side as well as national trade associations in the European snacks industry. In his daily work he ensures that members’ interests are considered in the European policy-making process.

His main objective is to further understanding and promotion of the savoury snacks sector through collaboration with EU institutions, NGOs and media.

Sebastian also chairs FoodDrinkEurope’s (European FDF) Nutrition and Health Working Group, as well as the Food Taxation Taskforce.

Chris Hook​

Business Director, Warburtons Gluten Free​

Chris has worked in gluten free food area for over 30 years (when he first started, gluten free bread came in a tin!) and has vast knowledge and understanding of the UK & European markets.

During this time, Chris has established a number of businesses. He was one of the pioneers of Free From, founding Nutrition Point in 1997 and launching the original Dietary Specials range into UK retail. Eventually he sold the business to Dr Schar in 2010.

Chris joined Warburtons at the start of 2012 and is responsible for the continuing growth and development of the Warburtons Free From business initially with the Newburn Bakehouse brand then the Warburtons Gluten Free brand – which launched in January 2018. Innovation and product quality are key to the success for the Warburtons Gluten Free brand and Chris continues to focus on this area with the Warburtons team.

Dirk Van Ham​

Secretary General, Fedima ​

Dirk has more than 25 years of experience in the food and drinks industry, covering different roles and responsibilities across sales (local and international), general management and public at Danone, Scottish & Newcastle and Diageo. Dirk joined Lobco, an Antwerp-based consultancy agency, at the start of 2019 as Managing Partner. In January 2020, Dirk took up the Secretary General role for Fedima, the Federation of European Manufacturers and Suppliers of Ingredients to the Bakery, Confectionary and Patisseries Industries.

Dirk is very committed to corporate social responsibility as president of Vinum et Spiritus, the Belgian trade association for wine and spirits, and a former board member of STIVA, the Dutch foundation for responsible drinking.

Dirk holds a Master’s in Business Engineering from the University of Antwerp and is an Oxford Alumnus. He enjoys a strong local and international, commercial and corporate relations network.

Robb MacKie​

President and CEO, American Bakers Association​

Robb has served as President and CEO of the American Bakers Association (ABA) since 2006, acting as the baking industry’s chief advocate and spokesperson and overseeing all aspects of the administration and operations of the trade association representing the interests of nearly 800,000 skilled employees of the $153 billion commercial baking industry.

A recognised leader of the Washington business community, Robb also serves as the co-chair of the Food and Beverage Issues Alliance and facilitator of the food and beverage association CEOs forum. In addition, he is the vice-chair National Association of Manufacturers Council of Manufacturing Associations. He also provides strategic guidance as a member of the Kansas State University Grain Sciences and Industry Advisory Committee.

Robb is a graduate of Frostburg State University with a degree in Political Science.