Hoban has joined the royal warrant-holding business after a five-year stint with big four grocery retailer Morrisons. He has also held senior positions across a broad spectrum of businesses, including British Airways and price comparison site Confused.com.
Commenting on his appointment, Hoban said: “I’m delighted to be joining such an exciting business that has huge growth potential, and to be working with such a passionate team.
A commitment to value
“Trust in quality, the importance of taste, and simplicity and reliability of service, are ever more important in the food industry, and I’m committed to adding value to that story and the business capabilities to deliver results.”
Donald Russell supplies a range of hand-butchered meat to hotels and restaurants across the UK, as well as offering a direct-to-consumer option through its website. The butcher was named Online Butchery Business of The Year at the Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards 2019, which is organised by the William Reed publishing group.
George Vestey, chief executive of Donald Russell’s parent company Vestey Holdings, added: “Mike is the strategic leader our business needs to deliver our next stage of organisational and operational change, while providing direction for the recently strengthened board.
‘Strong track record’
“With a strong track record of championing customer service and engaged, motivated, focused teams, we are looking forward to seeing the results he will deliver for our customers across the trade and export sectors, as well as direct to consumer.
Meanwhile, last month, the former chief executive of Premier Foods joined food redistribution charity The Felix Project as its new chairman.
Gavin Darby – who left Premier Foods in January last year – will work alongside the London-based charity’s founder and deputy chairman Justin Byam Shaw.