Senior Management Team
Shaun Sookoo
CEO
Shaun Sookoo is a dedicated leader with a strong focus on creating job opportunities that drive both economic growth and social impact. With extensive experience across various industries, Shaun holds nine directorships and has created over 180 jobs. His leadership has helped achieve a combined group turnover exceeding £24 million, spanning sectors such as Food Manufacture, Care, Property, Logistics, and Non-Profit.
At Food Division, Shaun’s leadership has been crucial in driving innovation and maintaining a commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical practices. His vision extends beyond profitability, aiming to create responsibly sourced and produced products.
Shaun is also passionate about non-profit work, supporting educational projects in Jamaica, Gambia, and the West Midlands. He is dedicated to building an inclusive professional landscape, nurturing talent, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Shaun’s commitment to both industry and community continues to shape a future where business success and social responsibility are intertwined.
Richard Pettiford
Business Development Director
Richard joined Food Division in May 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in catering and soft service solutions. As Business Development Director, he leads the sales force, focusing on innovation and strengthening client relationships. His expertise spans a portfolio exceeding £250 million across various catering sectors, and has played a key role in implementing significant savings through Food Division’s Commercial Reduction Solution, ensuring quality without compromise.
Richard is proud to be part of a company that embodies family values and provides the autonomy to drive change in the industry.
Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic ‘wild swimmer,’ embracing the outdoors and its challenges. His dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities is evident in both his professional and personal life.
Richard Pettiford
Business Development Director
Richard joined Food Division in May 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in catering and soft service solutions. As Business Development Director, he leads the sales force, focusing on innovation and strengthening client relationships. His expertise spans a portfolio exceeding £250 million across various catering sectors, and has played a key role in implementing significant savings through Food Division’s Commercial Reduction Solution, ensuring quality without compromise.
Richard is proud to be part of a company that embodies family values and provides the autonomy to drive change in the industry.
Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic ‘wild swimmer,’ embracing the outdoors and its challenges. His dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities is evident in both his professional and personal life.
Shaheel Awan
Chief Development Officer
Shaheel Awan is one of the founders of Food Division. With 16 years of experience in the food industry, Shaheel has built and owned businesses, developed a franchise model, and managed large teams and procurement processes.
Currently, Shaheel manages Food Division’s client portfolio ensuring top-tier account management and cost efficiency. His expertise in procurement has been key to delivering quality products whilst maintaining cost effectiveness.
Shaheel attributes Food Division’s success to its strong culture, where every team member is valued and driven to succeed.
Bogdan Beiu
Executive Chef
Bogdan Beiu joined Food Division in September 2022, bringing 20 years of experience in the food industry. Starting as a butcher and kitchen porter, he advanced to roles such as Head Chef, Area Chef, and Executive Chef, working across various restaurants and mastering international cuisines.
As Executive Chef at Food Division, Bogdan oversees all aspects of food production, from procurement and menu creation to ensuring food safety and customer satisfaction. He takes great pride in leading a chef team committed to excellence.
Bogdan values Food Division for its strong foundation of care and inclusivity, where every employee feels like part of a family, and diversity is embraced.
Outside of work, Bogdan coaches football, including an under-11 mixed team and a pan-disability program for children. His passion for coaching reflects his dedication to fostering inclusivity and enjoyment in all aspects of life.
Bogdan Beiu
Executive Chef
Bogdan Beiu joined Food Division in September 2022, bringing 20 years of experience in the food industry. Starting as a butcher and kitchen porter, he advanced to roles such as Head Chef, Area Chef, and Executive Chef, working across various restaurants and mastering international cuisines.
As Executive Chef at Food Division, Bogdan oversees all aspects of food production, from procurement and menu creation to ensuring food safety and customer satisfaction. He takes great pride in leading a chef team committed to excellence.
Bogdan values Food Division for its strong foundation of care and inclusivity, where every employee feels like part of a family, and diversity is embraced.
Outside of work, Bogdan coaches football, including an under-11 mixed team and a pan-disability program for children. His passion for coaching reflects his dedication to fostering inclusivity and enjoyment in all aspects of life.
Tina Thornton
Quality Control Manager
Tina Thornton joined Food Division as Quality Manager in February 2024, bringing over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She leads the Packaging Team and is committed to ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance across the organisation.
With a strong background in food production and quality control, Tina stays updated on food safety best practices and public health regulations. She has established and maintains a robust quality assurance and control system, ensuring that Food Division consistently meets industry standards.
Tina values the positive work environment at Food Division, where resilience fosters a sense of purpose and pride among staff, knowing their contributions directly impact people’s lives.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly watching movies together.
Naz Shariq
Managing HR Executive
Naz Shariq joined Food Division in November 2023, bringing over 8 years of industry experience to her role as Managing HR Executive. She plays a proactive role in performance measurement, recruitment strategies, stakeholder engagement, and staff training. Naz is deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous development within the organisation.
At Food Division, Naz has been instrumental in creating a positive work environment where staff feel valued, respected, and supported. The company’s commitment to employee well-being and development has led to high job satisfaction and talent retention.
Outside of work, Naz and her family are passionate travel enthusiasts, always eager to explore new destinations together.
Naz Shariq
Managing HR Executive
Naz Shariq joined Food Division in November 2023, bringing over 8 years of industry experience to her role as Managing HR Executive. She plays a proactive role in performance measurement, recruitment strategies, stakeholder engagement, and staff training. Naz is deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous development within the organisation.
At Food Division, Naz has been instrumental in creating a positive work environment where staff feel valued, respected, and supported. The company’s commitment to employee well-being and development has led to high job satisfaction and talent retention.
Outside of work, Naz and her family are passionate travel enthusiasts, always eager to explore new destinations together.
Frank Turner
Logistics Manager
Frank Turner joined Food Division in July 2022, when the company was at its inception. With 40 years of experience running and managing businesses, entering the food industry was a new and eye-opening experience for Frank.
Frank oversees the logistics, warehouse operations, and site management. He plans routes and deliveries across the country, ensuring a punctual service that covers over 2,000 miles daily, 365 days a year. Frank also ensures that the tons of food passing through Food Division’s two warehouses each week meet the highest quality standards and are handled with precision.
Frank takes great pride in working for Food Division, where diversity, opportunities for personal growth, and a real family atmosphere are at the core of the company’s culture.
Despite the demanding nature of his role, Frank still finds time to enjoy his hobby, clay pigeon shooting.
Andrew Roy
Head Of Accounting
Andrew Roy joined Food Division in July 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in management within the soft facilities sector. Passionate about coaching, training, and developing teams, Andrew is energetic and results-focused, with a proven track record of leading teams to achieve outstanding results. His expertise includes business development, streamlining processes, and managing resources, schedules, and personnel effectively. Tech-savvy and always on the lookout for improvement opportunities, Andrew is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and productivity.
At Food Division, Andrew heads up the accounts department, working closely with clients to ensure smooth and seamless transactions. Since joining, he has appreciated the friendly and supportive atmosphere, embracing the family vibe that defines the company culture.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys fishing to relax and skydiving for an adrenaline rush—one activity to calm him down and the other to wake him up.
Andrew Roy
Head Of Accounting
Andrew Roy joined Food Division in July 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in management within the soft facilities sector. Passionate about coaching, training, and developing teams, Andrew is energetic and results-focused, with a proven track record of leading teams to achieve outstanding results. His expertise includes business development, streamlining processes, and managing resources, schedules, and personnel effectively. Tech-savvy and always on the lookout for improvement opportunities, Andrew is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and productivity.
At Food Division, Andrew heads up the accounts department, working closely with clients to ensure smooth and seamless transactions. Since joining, he has appreciated the friendly and supportive atmosphere, embracing the family vibe that defines the company culture.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys fishing to relax and skydiving for an adrenaline rush—one activity to calm him down and the other to wake him up.
Marie Beiu
Head Chef
Marie Beiu joined Food Division in October 2022 as a Senior Sous Chef, bringing 13 years of experience as a culinary chef and management team leader. In this role, she has demonstrated her passion for cooking and leadership, crafting delicious and visually appealing dishes whilst guiding her team to success.
As Head Chef at Food Division, Marie plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of the products produced. She oversees the entire food production process, from sourcing ingredients to final packaging, and maintains detailed traceability records to ensure transparency and accountability in the supply chain. Her dedication to upholding high standards of food safety and quality is central to the manufacturing process.
Marie finds great fulfillment in building strong, effective teams. She believes that collaboration and communication among team members can achieve remarkable results, and she is committed to fostering a positive and productive team environment where everyone can thrive.
