He is to replace current CFO Stephen Leadbeater, who has decided to step down from the role due to personal reasons.
Pike will join 2 Sisters on July 17, becoming a member of the board of owner Boparan Holdings and will report to ceo Ranjit Singh.
He has 20 years’ experience in financial and corporate leadership roles in the food and drink industry, having previously worked for Associated British Foods as md of British Sugar and, prior to that, held the role of group CFO for AB Sugar.
20 years’ experience
He has also served as group operations and finance director for property investment firm Bridgemere and CFO roles at Manchester Airport Group and glass manufacturer Pilkington.
Singh said: “I am delighted to welcome Richard to 2 Sisters. He joins at an extremely important time for the business and I am confident he has the right pedigree and experience to help steer us to our next stage in developing a better business.
“I would also like to convey my thanks to Stephen Leadbeater for his hard work and commitment to the business over the past three years. I am very sorry he has decided to step down, but I wish him all the very best for the future.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pike said there were big challenges and opportunities at 2 Sisters.
“There are clearly many big hurdles the food sector has to overcome, but the potential of a business so wide-ranging and significant as 2 Sisters is a truly exciting prospect,” said Pike. “I look forward to playing my part in taking the business forward.”
Welcomed Pike and Fletcher to the board
2 Sisters also appointed chief operating officer Martyn Flectcher to the board, effective from July 1. Chairman Lord Allen of Kensington welcomed Pike and Fletcher to the board.
Kensington said: “Richard is a high calibre finance chief with a broad level of experience, which will stand him in very good stead as the business rises to the many external challenges in a changing world and fast-moving market place.
“His new Board colleague Martyn has made great progress in his 18 months at the business and I look forward to working even more closely with him in the future.”
Meanwhile, 2 Sisters’ St Merryn Foods has re-appointed Prys Morgan as head of livestock procurement in Wales.