Ewan brings 25 years of experience in the food and drink industry to the role, including senior roles at Greencore and Bernard Matthews. She will start her new role this month.
Commenting on her appointment, Ewan said: “Hot on the heels of a successful phase one campaign, this incredible heritage brand continues to punch well above its weight. I’m looking forward to working closely with our talented team as we focus on Pukka Pies’s ambitious growth plans.”
Ewan is to replace Pukka’s current ceo Rachael Bouch, who leaves after five years with the company to become group md for food and drink group SHS.
Replace Pukka’s current ceo
Pukka directors Tim and Andrew Storer thanked Bouch for her work with the company and welcomed Ewan.
“Rachael has done a great job for Pukka Pies and whilst we will be sorry to see her go, we wish her every success in the future.
“We have carefully selected a new ceo, Deborah Ewan. We think Deborah will bring with her energy and enthusiasm to further build on our planned strategy for Pukka Pies’s growth.”
As part of her role, Ewan will oversee the second phase of Pukka’s brand relaunch and £8M marketing campaign – a campaign that has helped Pukka to grow 13.2%, claimed the company.
Pukka’s brand relaunch
The move will see Pukka enter the premium branded pie sector with the Posher Pukka brand. The range includes Chicken, Leek & Pancetta and Steak & Porter Ale pies.
“As the branded leader within the chilled pie category, we felt that we were in a strong position to develop an accessible, premium pie offering,” said Ewan.
“Following in-depth research, we noticed a growing number of consumers who were demanding a more indulgent yet affordable pie eating experience, which currently was not being fulfilled by brands on supermarket shelves.”
Meanwhile, Mondelēz International’s new ceo and the resignation of 2 Sisters’ meat boss led our last gallery of people moving to new food and drink jobs.