Movers and Shakers The right people in the right roles can make all the difference CBA appoints Ivor McKane as new President Elect


The Craft Bakers Association (CBA) has officially announced the appointment of Ivor McKane as its new President Elect, marking a significant moment for the UK’s craft baking industry. With a distinguished career spanning


over 30 years, McKane is a well- known figure in the sector, widely respected for his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to both tradition and innovation in baking. His professional journey has included


senior roles at major industry players such as Unilever and, more recently, CSM Ingredients, where he served as Sales Director & Country Delegate. His leadership has consistently blended commercial insight with a deep respect for the heritage of craft baking. Beyond his corporate achievements, McKane has held several key positions


Duravant appoints Director of Product Management for optical sorting


Duravant’s Food Sorting and Handling Group has announced the appointment of Dean Ekkaia as Director of Product Management for optical sorting solutions. In this role, Ekkaia manages global activities that support development and sales of advanced sorting technologies that help food processors and packers optimise product quality, increase yield and maximize production efficiencies. “For the first time, we’re combining the optical sorting


expertise of Key Technology, Multiscan and WECO under unified product management. This strategic consolidation allows us to accelerate innovation while fostering better collaboration between our teams, delivering superior equipment and aftermarket services that give our customers stronger competitive advantages,” said Jack Lee, Duravant Group President – Food Sorting and Handling. “Dean’s proven track record of growing product lines and translating complex technology into practical customer-focused solutions makes him uniquely qualified to guide these industry-leading brands.”


34 Kennedy’s Bakery Production June/July 2025 Dean Ekkaia Ivor McKane


across influential trade organisations. These include serving as President of the Association of Bakery Ingredient Manufacturers (ABIM), President of the Association of Bakery Students & Trainees (ABST), and chairman of Craft Bakers Week. He is also a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Bakers— an honour that reflects his standing within the baking community. Speaking on his appointment, the


CBA highlighted McKane’s long- standing advocacy for traditional baking skills and his forward-thinking approach to supporting the next generation of bakers. His presidency is expected to


bring renewed energy and strategic direction to the CBA as it continues to support and champion craft bakers across the UK.


Ekkaia brings more than


15 years of experience in product management and leadership for automation and food processing equipment. Most recently, he served as an independent consultant advising on industrial product management


strategies


including AI adoption. Prior to that, he spent nearly seven years at Bühler in product management leadership roles,


including as Global Product Management Director. Ekkaia earned an MBA from the University of North Dakota and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He holds a certificate in product management from University of California, Berkeley and is a co-inventor on several patents. “Optical sorters represent a unique data leverage point


because they inspect every single object that passes through the line – every nut, every blueberry, every french fry. Food processors are seeking sorting solutions that go beyond basic defect and foreign material removal, including AI-driven capabilities and sophisticated data analytics that can achieve more traceability and reveal otherwise undetected patterns,” said Ekkaia. “Ultimately, what motivates me every day is knowing the products our sorters inspect go on to feed families just like mine. It’s a privilege to help advance technologies that contribute to safer, better food for everyone.”


bakeryproduction.co.uk


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