Rosyth-based pet food and wellbeing company, Bella & Duke, has appointed James Sturrock as Chief Executive, marking a significant transition as former CEO and co-founder Mark Scott assumes a non-executive director role.
Following a stellar year as the UK’s leading subscription raw pet food company, delivering over 15 million meals across the country in 2023, Bella & Duke is gearing up for its next phase of growth and development under the leadership of James Sturrock. With a mission to promote healthier eating for pets through raw diets, the company aims to expand its customer base and reinforce its position in the industry.
Experienced Leadership to Drive Ambitious Goals
James Sturrock brings a wealth of experience to Bella & Duke, having overseen periods of growth with disruptor brands such as Moonpig and Eve sleep. His recent role as Group CEO at Tapi Carpets & Floors involved leading digital transformation and driving significant growth. Sturrock’s appointment signifies a strategic move to achieve ambitious goals in the pet food industry.
Mark Scott, who co-founded Bella & Duke in 2016, led the company’s expansion from a two-person team in Blairgowrie to a workforce of 133 employees. Recognized among the Most Ambitious Business Leaders in the UK and featured in the LDC Top 50 list, Scott played a pivotal role in reshaping business practices. The recent accolade as Manufacturer of the Year 2023 at the Pet Industry Federation Awards underscores Bella & Duke’s commitment to excellence, especially after bringing manufacturing in-house just two years ago.
Transition to a Customer-Centric Approach
James Sturrock expressed his excitement about joining Bella & Duke, citing the company’s growth over the past seven years and his personal experience witnessing the health improvements from Bella & Duke’s raw nutrition. Sturrock is determined to communicate the benefits of raw feeding to pet owners, attract new customers, and build on the existing loyal community. His focus on finding improved solutions aligns with Bella & Duke’s mission to educate pet owners and transform perceptions about raw nutrition.
Mark Scott, reflecting on the journey since founding Bella & Duke, emphasized the importance of protecting the business’s purpose and its dedicated team. With James Sturrock’s customer-centric approach and extensive experience, Scott believes this marks an exciting time for the company as they embark on the next chapter of growth.
