Greencore appoints new finance boss

The 44-year old executive will replace Alan Williams, who will leave Greencore after nearly six years to become the chief financial officer of timber and builders’ merchant Travis Perkins.

Williams will relinquish his role as financial boss and a director of the group on October 3. But he will work closely with his replacement and the wider Greencore leadership team until the end of this year to ensure a smooth transition period.

Tonge joined the convenience food manufacturer in early 2006 as group capital markets director, with responsibility for treasury, investor relations, and group communications.

Three years later he was promoted to group strategy and corporate development director.

Md of Greencore’s UK Grocery Division​

Since 2014, Tonge has served at md of Greencore’s UK Grocery Division. He has also been a member of the group’s executive board since its inception four years ago.

Before joining Greencore, Tonge worked for Goldman Sachs from 1994 to 2005, holding a variety of finance, treasury and capital market roles in London, Hong Kong and New York. He holds a first class honours degree in engineering from University College Dublin.

The new finance boss will be replaced as md of the Grocery Division by Nigel Blakey, who is currently its finance director.

Played a critical role​

Greencore ceo Patrick Coveney welcomed both appointments. “In addition to his strong operational leadership of our Grocery Division, Eoin has played a critical role in shaping our group's food-to-go strategy, led the delivery of the Uniq plc acquisition, executed several key acquisitions in the US, and spent nearly four years as a leader in our central finance team,”​ said Coveney.

Coveney went on to describe Blakey as “a thoughtful, widely respected leader in our group with a deep knowledge” ​of all aspects of Greencore’s grocery business.

“Greencore is committed to developing talent at all levels, and Eoin and Nigel are excellent examples of leaders that have progressed through our group with consistently strong delivery in a variety of finance, strategy, project and general management roles,”​ said Coveney.

The Greencore ceo also praised Williams’ contribution to the manufacturer’s success over the past six years. “His judgement, financial expertise, professionalism, integrity and commitment have made him a valued colleague during his time here. We are sorry to see him go but wish him well as he takes on an exciting new opportunity.” ​

Meanwhile, for the latest vacancies in UK food and drink manufacturing, visit FoodManJobs​.