EPP is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Kerr to the role of Technical Sales Manager for Ireland and Northern Ireland. Based in County Down, Rob will liaise with customers in the region and offer EPP’s full range of automation equipment, helping bakers to scale up production, and deliver enhanced consistency, quality and profitability. He brings a rare blend of hands-on baking expertise and commercial experience, with a career spanning over 30 years in artisan baking, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my understanding of business and artisan baking to EPP,” says Rob Kerr, technical sales manager, Ireland and Northern Ireland, EPP. “I hope to develop partnerships with customers, understand their business, find out where they’d like to take it, and support them in that goal. From my own experience, I know that businesses eventually come to a crossroads, and automation can really help to take it to the next level. The EPP team is phenomenal, and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and speaking to customers.”

Rob’s baking journey began as a teenager at Campbells Shortbread in Stirling, followed by an apprenticeship at an Italian bakery where he mastered traditional Scottish breads and pastries. He later worked with Michelin-starred chef Graham Campbell, gaining high-level culinary skills and a deep understanding of quality and consistency. His experience also includes roles in corporate sales, food technology, and NVQ training assessment for bakers.

Following a move to Northern Ireland, Rob demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills by starting Pie in the Sky, producing up to 1,500 savoury pies per week from scratch, selling at markets around the Londonderry region, as well as to delis and farm shops. He developed a range of popular flavours – including macaroni cheese, vegan curry, steak and black pudding, lasagne in a pie, and a steak and haggis – before selling the business after seven years.

“Rob’s appointment is an exciting strategic step in strengthening our presence in Ireland and Northern Ireland,” says Steve Merritt, Managing Director at EPP. “His deep industry knowledge, customer-first approach and understanding of where automation can support bakeries makes him a valuable asset to our team and our partners.”