Profile
Chris headed up Shift’s Healthy Food programme between 2016-2018, developing products and services that catalyse changes in existing food categories that lead to better diets. The team are currently focused on fast food with programmes underway in Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Birmingham. This work builds on the success of ‘Box Chicken’, Shift’s development of a healthier fried chicken outlet.
Following a 15-year commercial career in the food industry, most latterly as Marketing Director for Kraft Foods (now Mondelez), Chris has spent the last 12-years applying behavioural science to a variety of social issues with a focus on public health. His particular interest is in childhood obesity and how to harness the competitive dynamics of consumer markets to deliver pro-social outcomes.
When not being ‘Shifty’, Chris can be found in the outdoors and, with his partner, is currently developing a love of sea kayaking with a view to one day touring the West Isles Whisky Distilleries by kayak.
chris.holmes@shiftdesign.org.uk
Comment
Chris Holmes, MD of Shift’s Healthy Food Programme, speaking on BBC News
Chris discusses the rise of fast food takeaway shops their effect on obesity.
Families and Food: how can we help families swim against the current?
Blog from our Food Director Chris Holmes & Sarah Hickey from Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Charity exploring how food environments can help or hinder people to live well.
Giving evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee
Our Food Director gives evidence on the role of takeaways in childhood obesity to the Health & Social Care Select Committee.
Shift’s healthier fast food adventure
The story so far… Shift has been working to increase healthier food habits over the last six years. Here we …
@Shift_org
Research
Hot, prepared revolution: A summary of two years work looking at takeaways
December 17, 2018
Shift has developed the UK’s most detailed understanding of takeaway food, families’ relationship with it, the role hot, prepared food plays in their food behaviours, the economics of outlets and the motivations of their owners. Possible avenues for positive change have been tested and the way forward is clear.