Bluebird Care names new chief operating officer

Duncan Berry to oversee UK operations, with particular focus on growth, distribution and brand awareness.

Bluebird Care, with over 200 offices across the UK and part of the $900m Caring Brands International global family of homecare brands, is one of the leading providers of homecare and support, today announced the appointment of Duncan Berry to the post of chief operating officer. Berry, who brings 12 years’ experience in franchising, has extensive skills in developing businesses through high level franchise networks across a range of business sectors. Prior to Bluebird Care he was the CEO of Choice Hotels Europe growing the group turnover by 26% from 2009 to 2014. Berry also gained invaluable franchising experience at Cartridge World as director of European franchising building the UK business to nearly 300 stores before strategically supporting nine EU Master Franchisees. 
 
“Duncan has been instrumental in the growth of some major UK and European franchised organisations,” said Kathleen Gilmartin, President and CEO of Caring Brands International and Interim HealthCare Inc. “Bluebird Care has already had a tremendous growth record in the last 10 years and we are delighted to welcome Duncan to the team to take the business to the next level of success.”
In his new role, Berry will be working with the senior management team and their respective teams at the Petersfield based franchise support centre to realise ambitions in the UK. He will also be working with Bluebird Care’s successful network of franchisees and continuing to build relationships with contacts within the industry.

Duncan Berry said: “To be joining the UK’s largest single brand provider of care in the home with the Bluebird Care team at a time when it is well positioned for growth is a very exciting opportunity and one I am greatly looking forward to. Having achieved significant network growth over the last few years, the focus now is to grow franchisee’s businesses and ensure they have the tailored support they require for their individual objectives.”