The start of a new year is always an exciting time and here at Antonelli, 2025 is already off with a bang. We’re always looking to grow and develop as a business and to support our ambitious plans, we have appointed three new positions within the company.
From their favourite ice cream flavours to what they are most looking forward to in their new roles, here we get to find out a bit more about each of our newest team members (including someone you may have seen before!) and the work they will be doing to support Antonelli and our clients in 2025 and beyond.
Introducing Antonio De Roma: Our new Technical Manager
We’re over the moon to introduce you to Antonio, Antonelli’s new Gelato Technical Manager. A family with a rich history in creating delicious ice cream, Antonio is of the same De Roma clan whose ice cream business has been based in Wigan since 1922. He is fluent in Italian and looking forward to bringing his wealth of industry experience to Antonelli and its customers.
Starting his ice cream career in childhood restocking freezers on a Saturday afternoon at his family’s factory shop, Antonio worked in the family business up until 2023 when decided to take a 2-year sabbatical. He is now ‘ready to get back to it’ (his words!) with a brand new challenge joining Antonelli as our new Gelato Technical Manager.
His favourite ice cream flavour? If it's fruity, Amarena cherry. If it's something more indulgent however, a chocolate base with salted caramel & a peanut ripple is a good bet. Although Antonio also says, ‘you can’t beat a good vanilla on a sticky toffee pudding!’
Introducing Julie Morris: Our new Operations Manager
Julie has over 30 years’ experience in office management/operations and will be an asset to our business. A true all-rounder, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge in a variety of areas including finance, order management, sales and marketing. Julie strongly believes in the importance of nurturing customer relations and building strategic partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
An expert in processes and efficiency, Julie’s strengths lie in identifying and reviewing end-to-end processes, ensuring cross-functional alignment and optimising systems to free up resources.
She is most looking forward to creating new, simplified and innovative ways of working to help focus and define Antonelli’s operating vision and ensure that managers feel empowered to drive the changes successfully in the years to come.
Her role will include encouraging people, teams, functions, business units and business partners to collaborate and make great things happen.
Joining a business which has been established for more than a century is no mean feat and Julie acknowledges that one of the main challenges she may face is making changes and improvements to historical processes.
And if course we needed to ask her the most important question - her favourite ice cream flavour! Julie says that it used to be chocolate, but since working at Antonelli it's strawberry & white chocolate with a pistachio crumb. Great choice!
Reintroducing Jonny Ireland: Our new National Sales and Technical Manager
Last but not least, you will all know our former Technical Manager, Jonny. We are pleased to announce that he is continuing his career progression with us and has been promoted to the role of National Sales and Technical Manager. Congratulations Jonny!
Jonny first worked with us in the Antonelli bakery during his time at university and after a short time away, returned in the new role of Sales Manager. After 3 years, he moved into the role of Technical Manager and now having passed the baton to Antonio, he takes on a more senior role in National Sales and Technical Management.
When asked what he is most looking forward to, Jonny says he is excited to manage the team and build stronger relationships with our Area Managers, helping Antonelli grow to its full potential.
Jonny thinks one of the main challenges he may face is maintaining a good work-life balance and being more flexible with customer needs. He will miss his previous role as the Gelato Technical Manager, but he will still be managing that department and supporting customers with our new recruit, Antonio!
So, what is our former Sales Manager/Technical Manager and now National Sales and Technical Manager’s favourite ice cream flavour? Vanilla and Twister (pineapple, lime and strawberry) of course!
With our new recruits in post, we are looking forward to a busy and productive 2025, working closely with all our customers and as always, creating the most exciting, inventive and delicious ice cream flavours and recipes with our partners.
We are here to support our customers in any way we can. Please get in touch if you have any questions about our products, training or how we can support your business.
