The firm said having someone of Eaton’s experience would bring independent leadership to the board.
Eaton left Premier Foods in February 2013 after less than five months as chief operating officer of the business.
Before this he was ceo of European chilled convenience firm Uniq, where he secured the sale of the business to Greencore in 2011.
Eaton said: “I am delighted to take on this role and work with the founder and the NESI executive team under the leadership of group ceo Dan Aherne to develop and grow the business over the coming years. NESI has built a strong foundation and has great potential for delivering further growth and creating significant value.”
‘Significantly invest’
NESI plans to “significantly invest” in its core species and grow its sushi supply business Joii Sushi in the UK and Europe, Aherne said.
“Eaton’s experience of growing and running businesses mean that he is well placed to support, challenge and advise the executive team as we implement our strategies,” he added.
Fred Stroyan, who founded NESI in 1991, said he was as positive as ever about the business under Eaton’s leadership.
“We have an ambitious international growth strategy and I believe it is the right time to hand over the chairmanship to Eaton while I continue my commitment to NESI as the founder, majority owner and a director of the business,” he added.
“I am confident that he will do an exceptional job in leading the board and helping us to continue the successful journey that we have enjoyed to date, whilst safeguarding and protecting the values and philosophies upon which New England has been built”