The Fairtrade Foundation has created the new post of managing director and appointed David Lowbridge to fill the role.

The appointment expands the management team to eight people and the foundation said strengthens its internal capacity.

The post was also created in response to the need to scale up the level of service given to Fairtrade licencees and to develop better business practices as consumer demand for Fairtrade products in the UK has risen. The appointment will allow executive director Harriet Lamb more time for governance and external relations, the foundation said in a statement.

Lowbridge was previously md of Country Casuals then of Austin Reed. He has since advised business startups in the ethical clothing area and has worked with charities, focusing on strategic development and trading issues.

He will help deliver the foundation’s Tipping the Balance programme over the next five years which aims to increase Fairtrade’s impact on producers’ lives; shift public opinion and consumer lifestyles; expand business engagement; and scale up and develop the Fairtrade system.