Camellia : International Women's Day 2021

Lucy Thornton, Head of Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability, JING

Favourite tea:Darjeeling

2020 saw Lucy gain a qualification in Business Sustainability Management, become Head of Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability at JING, and be named a Walpole Custodian.

With a Master's in Marketing and Communications, Lucy's career started in media and the super yacht industry. She quickly felt that she wanted to do something more purposeful, something that she was passionate about.

'Tea is something I have always loved, so I followed my heart and taste buds to JING.'

Lucy joined JING 8 years ago, an integral part of the team, her role has changed and grown with the business. Initially working in marketing and products, she worked on the website and also specifically with the hospitability sector before becoming Head of Marketing, Innovation and Sustainability.

The pandemic bought new challenges to JING, but with these challenges also opportunity.

'People have found a new connection to nature, their environment and how connected as people we are to the environment. This has made people care a lot more, understand the importance of organic, think about where their food and drink come from, and how things are made. This fits perfectly with JING.'

When the world turned on its head in March 2020, hospitality stopped suddenly overnight. The team at JING took this as an opportunity to pivot their business model for the short term. This change would accelerate the consumer side of the business and in doing so presented a chance for the team to revisit their purpose as a company and as a brand.

'In all those discussions, sustainability was very clearly at the top of our list.'

Lucy completed a Business Sustainability Management qualification at the University of Cambridge. She loved the course which allowed her to grow in an area she, and the whole team at JING feel passionately about.

'By creating a role where sustainability is head of department level, we have ensured that it is now part of the decision making across the company for everything.'

Joining the Camellia Group in 2018, I asked Lucy what impact this has had on JING's sustainability goals and aspirations.

'Sustainability is very clearly a part of who Camellia are. Being part of the Group has encouraged JING to pursue their sustainability goals full pelt knowing that Camellia are behind us. We have a shared passion for a thriving tea industry.'