i2r strengthens commercial team with three strategic appointments

Packaging Solutions

i2r Packaging Solutions has further strengthened its commercial leadership with the appointment of Fern Timmins as head of foodservice and distribution, alongside two new national account managers, as the business continues to invest in long term growth across key markets.

Fern joins i2r in a newly created national role that brings together two strategically important areas of the business. She will lead the development of the company’s foodservice and distribution sector, including the launch and ongoing growth of its e-commerce platform, while overseeing the customer service function to ensure a joined up, customer focused approach.

A commercially minded sales leader, Fern brings more than 20 years’ experience in the food packaging industry, having driven growth, shaped strategy, and delivered customer success for major UK retailers and national distribution partners.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: ‘I was drawn to i2r by the opportunity to apply my experience in a pivotal leadership role, taking responsibility for developing a sales division and further strengthening my management capability within a dynamic and innovative organisation.

‘I am particularly looking forward to developing the foodservice division, exploring new growth opportunities and supporting my team as they develop and flourish within the business.’

Supporting this strategic focus, i2r has also expanded its national account team with the appointments of Faye Blunkett and Zoe Gardner as national account managers.

Faye joins i2r with 10 years’ experience in the foodservice industry, including six years in packaging, most recently as a senior national account manager at Go-Pak. She has worked extensively with distributors and brands across the foodservice sector, with experience spanning paper, plastic and takeaway food packaging.

In her new role, she will be responsible for developing and executing mid to long term account strategies, building strong multi-level customer relationships, managing aluminium contracts, leading negotiations, and forecasting and budgeting.

‘Having built my experience working with international manufacturers, I was keen for my next move to be with a UK based business with strong manufacturing capability and long term ambition,’ said Faye. ‘I was also keen to step into a new market, broaden my experience and increase my understanding of the retail side of food packaging.’

Zoe also joins i2r as a national account manager, responsible for UK and Ireland food processors and will fill an existing role within the business.

She brings 30 years’ experience in food packaging sales, including two decades working with UK manufacturers supplying foil packaging solutions to processors, distributors and retailers. Her background includes specialist product and commercial knowledge, a strong track record of exceeding sales targets and expertise in managing cradle to grave projects and innovation.

‘The opportunity to join a global leader in aluminium foil packaging, with such a strong focus on innovation and product development, was a key attraction for me,’ said Zoe.

‘I am looking forward to working with a highly professional team in a forward thinking business with ambitious plans for growth.’

Commenting on all three appointments, sales director Tom Cliffe said, ‘I am delighted to welcome recognised industry leaders to i2r Packaging Solutions. Their expertise further strengthens our commercial capability and reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in our people, our customers, and our growth plans across several new markets. This is the first of several exciting announcements we will me making in 2026 to support business growth and our focus on improved customer excellence.’

i2r will be exhibiting on stand F104 at the forthcoming Packaging Innovations exhibition, held at the NEC Birmingham, on 11 to 12 February 2026. Both Fern and Zoe will be on stand throughout the show.

Zoe, Fern and Faye.