Meet the Judges
The judges for the The Vendies Awards are tasked with the challenging job of reviewing a wide range of high-quality entries to identify the ultimate winners across the sector. Covering both operators and suppliers, the categories span everything from product innovation to outstanding team and individual performance, ensuring that excellence is recognised at every level of the vending industry.
Diane Hunter
Vending Specialist and Industry Veteran
While currently happily retired, Diane Hunter is a highly respected figure in the UK vending industry, with a career spanning several decades. Having worked with a number of leading vending companies, she went on to found Apple Vending & Catering Services Ltd over 18 years ago, building the business into a successful operation supported by a strong and dedicated team. She served on the board of the Vending & Automated Retail Association helping vending companies keep abreast of all the ever-changing legislation and also chaired the buying group “RefreshU” for several years.
David Irvine
European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA) Communication & Public Affairs Manager
David Irvine is a British and Irish national who is enthusiastic and passionate about the vending industry, as a result of his background in working for a coffee vending machine operator in the UK. Before joining the EVA, David worked as policy officer dealing with legislation for local government in the UK and as an assistant to a Member of the European Parliament in Brussels. David started his career with EVA as Communication & Public Affairs Manager in November 2013. In his role he maintains strong relationships between regulatory bodies, stakeholders and EVA members, and also manages various EVA committees and working groups.
Nicola Knight
Head of Away From Home Insight, IGD
Nicola Knight specialises in providing insight on global strategic developments in the away from home and food-to-go sectors for clients such as Sysco, Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, Compass and Greggs. With over 20 years’ experience, she is one of the creators of IGD’s away from home market forecast and unique total consumption view of the UK food and drink market.
Michelle Hefferon
NIVO General Manager
Michelle Hefferon has worked in the vending industry for 18 years. Most recently she has managed NIVO’s day-to-day activities in which time she has gained true insight into the intricacies of the sector. Recently promoted to General Manager at NIVO, Michelle believes customer always comes first, which includes pointing out where NIVO can help – key to any successful business.
Gillian White
Vending & Unattended Retail Consultant
Gillian White has been a key player in the vending industry for more than 25 years. Her career has spanned commercial leadership for several global players in FMCG and Equipment Manufacturing. She has served on the Boards of both the AVA and the EVA and from 2018 to 2023 was Chair of the AVA as well as serving on several technical and specialist area committees. In 2023, Gillian was recognised for her contribution to the industry as the first winner of the “Women of the Year” Vendies award.