Currently serving as chairman of British Land, Gildersleeve will oversee the implementations of Noble Foods’s growth strategy, focusing on diversification and acquisitions for the business.
Gildersleeve has a long history of achievements in the food and drink industry, including spending 20 years on the board of retailer Tesco.
The appointment followed a restructure of Noble Foods’s board of directors, which also saw Tim Morris named as company secretary.
“I’ve been watching Noble Foods Group’s growth from a distance and have always been impressed that a company of its size and stature has retained its entrepreneurial and innovative edge,” said Gildersleeve.
‘Extraordinary skills’
“As the first fully integrated egg business, Noble has demonstrated extraordinary skills.
“These range from its core strength in the commodity egg market through to creating the UK’s first national egg brand, happy egg, and its successful integration of the iconic dessert brand Gü into its portfolio. I’m delighted to be joining the team”.
Gildersleeve has served as non-executive director for the Vodafone Group, Lloyds TSB and Dixons Carphone, as well as chairman of New Look and Carphone Warehouse.
“We are very pleased that John is going to chair Noble Foods Group,” said Noble Foods ceo Dale Burnett.
‘Accelerate the business’
“He comes at a key time when we are seeking to accelerate the business and his knowledge of the retail sector and long term experience with national and international brands will be invaluable in helping us deliver our strategy for growth.”
The news follows a raft of new appointments in the food and drink industry, including Chris Thomas being named the new ceo of meat processor Tulip.
Barry Williams will take over as trading director at Morrisons and Nick Fields was appointed ceo of Burton’s Biscuits Company, following the departure of Ben Clarke.
Meanwhile, you can look at our people on the move photogallery, to see all the biggest movers and shakers in the food and drink industry.