Tulip to ‘regain its mojo’ after reorganisation: boss

The new ceo set out his plans to revitalise the business just days after taking over the helm following the departure of former boss Chris Thomas. Owner Danish Crown made the appointment in a bid to reverse the manufacturer’s sliding fortunes.

Tulip will be split into four business divisions: Tulip Fresh, Tulip Added Value, Tulip Agriculture and the well-established Dalehead Foods.

Lost focus recently

Francis admitted the business had lost focus recently while operating in an extremely competitive marketplace.

“My role is to lead it back to being the industry leader, put in very simple terms, the company needs to regain its mojo,” said the new boss.

“Tulip is a great business but, over the last few years or so, it has lost its edge. It’s not that Tulip has gotten worse, more a case of the competition having moved forward.”

The restructuring plans were designed to simplify operations and build on strong customer relationships, he said.

‘Its own leadership team’

“I believe that we have great talent and commitment in our business, however, we need to work more effectively as a connected team – both internally and with our farmers and customers. Each of the four business divisions will have its own leadership team, objectives and strategy, while remaining part of a single, joined-up organisation.”

People would be encouraged to try new things and to take a lead, Francis added.

His appointment followed fierce competition in the retail market and increasing raw material prices. Tulip, which has lost significant contracts and faced internal problems with productivity and pricing, will end the financial year by making a loss, said Danish Crown.

Francis has wide experience of the meat industry and of restructuring manufacturing companies.

Tulip operates 16 fresh and cooked meat sites across the UK and employs about 7,000 people.

The Danish Crown group is the largest pork producer in Europe and world’s biggest pork exporter.