His appointment follows a period of growth for the business. During this time, Wrights supplemented its core foodservice business with a new seasonal range for Marks and Spencer and the launch of its food-to-go brand Urban Bistro and food delivery service Wrights Bites.
Dobbie will work alongside the company’s chairman Peter Wright and the board of directors to grow market share across all trade channels and develop a strategic plan for the next stage of business expansion.
‘Capacity for growth’
Commenting on his appointment, Dobbie said: “While this is a challenging time for all businesses, it is also immensely exciting as we build on almost a century of Wrights food production across our multiple site business which has the capacity to grow alongside the agility to innovate and move quickly on customer briefs.
“Developing new partnerships and launching new lines has been a key focus of the last 12 months and I’m keen to lead the team in further strategic growth while continuing to invest in and perfect our NPD to introduce even more first-to-market products.”
Dobbie spent 20 years with Délifrance, first as UK managing director before becoming chief executive of its global business. Prior to this, he held senior positions at Associated British Foods, Bestfoods and Northern Foods.
‘New chapter’
Wright Food Group chairman Peter Wright added: “Ian’s appointment marks a new chapter in almost a century of producing quality ‘family favourites’ for foodservice, retail and food to go markets and I know Ian is absolutely the right person to maximise the many opportunities that are open to us.”
In other food and drink industry appointment news, Pukka Pies has boosted its senior team with the appointment of a new head for its retail operations.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Devon-based seafood and plant-based product manufacturer Paramount 21 has announced two appointments to its board of directors.
