Meet the Team

Get to know the individuals who make up our exceptional team

Senior Management Team

Patrick Steel  

  • Patrick Steel, appointed as Group Managing Director of HallMark in March 2023, has been a pivotal part of the company since 2014. His journey through various roles has endowed him with a deep understanding of the veterinary and compliance sectors. With a Master's in HR Management and a postgraduate diploma in Employment Law, Patrick is also a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. His leadership is marked by strategic foresight and a commitment to driving HallMark's growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in veterinary services.

Diego Sprekelsen

  • Diego Sprekelsen, with over two decades in Veterinary Public Health, Animal Health, Animal Welfare and Regulatory Compliance, has been a cornerstone of HallMark since 2004. As Group Operations Director, he ensures operational excellence across the company. His leadership in bid writing and financial management has been vital in HallMark's growth. Diego's strategic vision and deep industry knowledge have established HallMark as a top-tier provider of veterinary services, driving innovation and operational success.

Penny Thorne      

  • Penny Thorne, a finance expert with over 30 years of experience, is the Group Finance Director at HallMark. Her expertise spans various sectors, including the veterinary industry. Penny's role is crucial in managing finances and IT, ensuring robust financial operations. She has been instrumental in securing funding for expansion and in developing financial strategies that guide HallMark's growth and decision-making, enhancing the company's financial stability and strategic direction.

Leigh Grant  

  • Leigh Grant, as the Commercial Director of HallMark, brings over 30 years of experience from blue-chip food businesses where he held various Sales and Marketing Board positions, and gained extensive knowledge and experience from his tenure as Chief Executive of the RSPCA's farm assurance scheme. During this time, Leigh was a recognised by the European Commission as an expert speaker in the field of farm animal welfare and was a member of the standards committee for Humane Farm Animal Care in Washington DC. His expertise in sales, marketing and food assurance schemes is invaluable in developing HallMark's commercial strategies and maintaining key customer and supplier relationships. Leigh's strategic approach, and industry insights, are pivotal in driving HallMark's market presence and growth.

Jacqueline Hartwell

  • A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Jack brings over 20 years of senior HR leadership experience across sectors including publishing, high-tech, life sciences, and professional services. She has led global HR teams, delivered major organisational redesigns, and driven people strategies across complex, multi-national environments.

    Before joining HallMark, Jack was HR Operations Director at Centaur Media plc, where she oversaw a significant transformation programme. She previously held Global Head of HR roles, where she led cultural change and introduced strategic initiatives in talent, engagement, leadership development, and HR systems. Her expertise strengthens HallMark’s commitment to people, performance, and growth.

Luis Castromil    

  • Luis Castromil has over 20 years’ experience in veterinary public health, food safety, and regulatory compliance. A seasoned veterinarian, he leads HallMark’s Official Controls and Meat Inspection Services under the FSA contract while continuing to head our import operations at UK Border Control Posts. With extensive leadership experience across meat establishments and border controls, Luis is recognised for his strategic oversight and operational expertise. He also lectures at Bristol University, shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Luisma Diez  

  • Luisma Diez, with two decades of expertise in Export Certification and Veterinary Public Health, leads HallMark's export division. He manages stakeholder relations and oversees national field resources, ensuring client satisfaction and compliance. As the Technical Lead for export certification, Luisma's role is central to maintaining HallMark's high standards in export services, addressing challenges, and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.

Our success is built on our people

Beyond our senior management, HallMark is powered by a dedicated team, both at our Gloucestershire headquarters and across the UK. Our Central Support Department handles vital corporate functions like finance, HR, IT, and administrative support, ensuring seamless operations. Nationally, our skilled veterinarians, technicians, Project Managers and administrators, led by experienced Team Leaders and Area Veterinary Managers, deliver high-quality, efficient services. This blend of central coordination and national expertise allows us to maintain our commitment to excellence in the Agrifood sector.