Meet The team


The Management Team


A fun enthusiastic and driven team. 

Husband and Wife team Neil and Emily Dodson


Neil's expertise in managing the business and learning his trade from his father Donald Dodson started with Neil working in the factory where they both worked together to create the processes and products that we manufacture today. Teamed with his business management skills in finance and sales, Simply African Food became the family business that we all know and love.

Emily's ability to manage the clients and customer service, whilst also working closely on the business accounts with Lyn means that they are both paramount to the management team and the back bone of the company.

Lyn Dodson

The lady behind the scenes - Lyn has been with Simply African Food from the very beginning, working with her late husband and Neil's father, Donald, to learn the ropes. Lyn brings her financial knowledge and acumen to the business, as well as being fondly referred to as everyone's "Ma". 

Jordan Hays

Jordan, the company's Operations manager, brings a wealth of productivity, staff management and quality control to the factory. Jordan enjoys playing golf in his spare time and unfortunately supports Newcastle football club.  


Production Team

Focused and hard working

Becca Ryan

Our Ready to eat team leader Becca, brings total organisational management to the important processes of orders and packaging - whilst ensuring that our products live up to our very high standards.

Luke Thirkell

Our Raw team leader and resident butcher Luke, has been involved in the business for 5 years -  leading the line and cutting all the amazing products that you love. 

Sid James

Works on our Raw production line, keeping the quality in check for all the delicious products that you enjoy. In his spare time Sid loves to socialize with his mates down the pub.

Production Team

Focused and hard working.

Kevin Reed

Kev works on our Ready to eat production line running our state of the art packaging machine. He also manages and oversees all of the company deliveries to our wholesale customers.

Mark Ellery

Joined our Raw production line, working closely with Luke and Sid cutting all of the delicious treats you'll find on the website. Mark enjoys fishing in his spare time.

Ben Morris 

Joined our Ready to eat line recently to work alongside Becca and Kev, to ensure that all your yummy treats leave the factory as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Ben enjoys fishing on his days off.  

Market Team.

Your one stop biltong shop.

Luke Gale-Roberts

Luke has been with us here at Simply African Food from the tender age of 15, working during the school summer holidays - so you can be sure that he knows the products inside out. In his spare time Luke enjoys spending time with his mates.

Steve Lowrie

Market Manager/ Shareholder

Steve hosts a wealth of Braai knowledge and everything to do with the amazing food that we produce. His skills as a top Braai master alongside the ability to help you with any Simply African Food related questions, make him invaluable to your braai/BBQ needs.

Luca Visioli

Luca has been with the team for 2 years, working on both our Ready to eat line and our Raw line whilst also studying at college. Luca's wide range of knowledge means that he is on hand to help with any of your food related questions.

Market Team.

Your one stop biltong shop.

Tom Wright

Tom has been part of the Simply African family for 2 years, working alongside our Raw production team whilst studying at college. He brings a wealth of product knowledge to our market setup.

Our strength is our passion for the food we make.
Ben Upton

Ben has been part of the Simply African family for 2 years, working alongside our Raw production team whilst studying at college. He brings a wealth of product knowledge to our market setup. Pop down and say Hi.