Leading horticultural researcher Dr Richard Gianfrancesco has been appointed growing media product manager by William Sinclair Horticulture.

Previously a UK and global business manager for environmental consultancy Thomson Ecology, Dr Gianfrancesco is best known for his earlier work for Which?, the consumer champion, where he spent 12 years (2001-2013) in senior positions including a five-year stint as head of research for Which? Gardening and most recently as head of science, statistics and social research across the entire Which? organisation

An ecology graduate from the University of Sheffield, he went on to obtain a PhD in plant and soil science.

In his new role, he has responsibility for ensuring that the company's range of growing media is aligned with the needs of consumers through constant product innovation and enhancement. He will also work closely with Sinclair's two technical managers, Paul Smith and Andrea Marshall, using the company’s new trial grounds.

Welcoming him to the company’s advanced new Ellesmere Port growing media production facility, Sinclair marketing director, Simon McArdle said: “Richard uniquely combines scientific knowledge with many years of research into consumer gardening needs. He will be instrumental in ensuring that we achieve our twin goals of being the most consumer-focused gardening supplier and the supplier of choice for high quality peat-free compost. This market will go peat-free and Sinclair will be its leader.”