Today Anita announce with some sadness the departure of Jemma Barnes, Managing Director of Anita UK and Ireland as of June 30th. Klaus Hartmann HR Director of Anita Dr Helbig Gmbh confirmed that Anita wanted to wish Jemma every success in her future and said during her 10 year tenure she has been a loyal and dedicated MD, promoting and developing the Anita brands in her market and building strong relationships with her customers.
She introduced many new initiatives including the Centres of Excellence, the Special Care Award at Stars and the Eloise mail order business to name just a few and had achieved a great deal of success, won accolades and gained respect throughout the industry. Carrying out her role with professionalism, heart and of course a sense of humour she became a valued friend to many at Anita over the years. He also wanted want to take the opportunity to thank Jemma warmly for all that she has done for our company suggesting that her dedication and her enthusiasm are difficult to put into words as both are extraordinary.
After 25 years of working nonstop in the industry, Jemma says with great enthusiasm that she plans to take a 3 month sabbatical to ghost write her friends autobiography in South Africa. Jemma will provide the words and story of his journey to become a hugely successful artist in South Africa, whilst his husband will take the photos. Hopefully she can travel to South Africa for at least some of the time, but sadly their plans may be somewhat disrupted by coronavirus and so she may become a zoom addict!! After her creative break and battery recharge , she hopes to find a new role in the industry she knows and loves so well to inspire and fulfill her in the next chapter of life.
As regards the structure for Anita UK moving forward, Daniel Meijer from Anita Netherlands will take over the responsibility for Anita UK & Ireland in addition to his existing position as Managing Director of Anita Netherlands.
To support him in this role Jackie Knight is promoted to Operations Manager and Michele Duncan will take on the role of Sales and Marketing Manager. For the time being and until further notice, this team will be jointly responsible for the activities of Anita UK & Ireland. All members of this new team have been working at Anita for several years and have a wealth of knowledge and experience that will ensure a smooth and successful transition.
