
Gavin McLean
I take founders who operate on gut instinct and provide them with the rigour of a Non-Executive Director (NED). I help you understand how to speak the language of major retailers and category managers, ensuring you are seen as partners rather than just suppliers.
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About
A strategic Non-Executive Director and veteran with over 30 years' experience championing sustainable supply chains and ethical governance within the global food sector. Currently serving as the UK General Manager for 555 Amanda, providing board-level oversight for a premier seafood brand, specializing in the intersection of commercial viability, environmental stewardship, and digital transformation. Career began in the Royal Marines, where developed the resilience and integrity that now underpin approach to governing complex organisations and driving long-term sustainability.
Experience
UK General Manager at 555 Amanda (2026-01 – Present)
Providing strategic leadership for a major seafood brand in the UK market, with focus on sustainable sourcing and expanding the reach of MSC-certified products.
- Providing strategic leadership for a major seafood brand in the UK market, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and expanding the reach of MSC-certified products
- Managing high-level industry partnerships and navigating the complexities of the seafood supply chain to ensure commercial and ethical alignment
- Overseeing budget planning and commercial discipline to ensure long-term business resilience
Founder & Business Strategy Advisor at Titan Brands Ltd (2022-03 – Present)
Developing the Titan Brands system, a strategic framework that integrates AI and automation into business operations to streamline decision-making and accountability.
- Developing the Titan Brands system, a strategic framework that integrates AI and automation into business operations to streamline decision-making and accountability
- Guiding challenger brands through scaling challenges by implementing governance protocols that replace manual processes with scalable corporate systems
- Specialising in omnichannel strategies and innovation across the F&B sector, ensuring that growth is both profitable and ethically grounded
- Pioneering the use of custom AI agents to monitor sustainability metrics and commercial performance, providing boards with a clear, data-driven perspective on risk and opportunity
Managing Director at GMAC Sales & Marketing / Soul Food Collective (2016-03 – 2022-03)
Designed and launched ranges of organic and Fairtrade snacking products, securing global contracts with United Airlines and listings in major UK retailers.
- Designed and launched ranges of organic and Fairtrade snacking products, securing global contracts with United Airlines and listings in major UK retailers, including Waitrose and Planet Organic
National Account Controller at SPC Ardmona (Coca-Cola Amatil) (2012-03 – 2016-08)
Managed a £15m retail turnover across Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose, successfully launching the #1 packaged fruit brand in the UK.
- Managed a £15m retail turnover across Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose, successfully launching the #1 packaged fruit brand in the UK
General Manager at Montana Bakery Ltd (2007-07 – 2011-09)
Led an artisan bakery supplying M&S and Waitrose, increasing annual sales from £15m to £19m while improving gross margins through operational efficiencies.
- Led an artisan bakery supplying M&S and Waitrose, increasing annual sales from £15m to £19m while improving gross margins through operational efficiencies
Business Manager at Coldwater Seafood (Icelandic Group) (2002-10 – 2004-07)
Managed frozen and chilled fish categories for major UK retailers, delivering £3m in additional sales for key seafood lines and doubling export turnover.
- Managed frozen and chilled fish categories for major UK retailers, delivering £3m in additional sales for key seafood lines and doubling export turnover
Site Managing Director at Grampian Country Foods (2000-01 – 2002-10)
Led a major production site with 315 personnel and a £28m turnover, achieving 100% over-target profit (PBIT) and securing Investors in People accreditation.
- Led a major production site with 315 personnel and a £28m turnover, achieving 100% over-target profit (PBIT) and securing Investors in People accreditation
Education
Edinburgh Napier University
B.A, Business Studies (Marketing)
Sep 1988 – Apr 1992
