Former Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) vice president of commercial development Simon Harrison is to join food and drink group Princes in the new role of chief commercial officer.
Harrison will join the board of directors from June this year and will be responsible for all sales, buying and marketing operations across the group.
Since joining CCEP in 2001, Harrison has held several senior roles within the business, including sales director, customer marketing director. His most recent role was vice-president of commercial development, a post he assumed in June 2018.
‘Wealth of experience’
Commenting on his appointment, managing director Cameron Mackintosh said: “Simon joins us with a wealth of experience in the FMCG [fast-moving-consumer-goods] sector.
“With his in-depth knowledge of the food and drink industry and valuable expertise, Simon will play an important role as we continue to transform our business and help us realise our strategic ambitions and growth plans.
“As we continue to adapt to the evolving marketplace, I am confident that Simon will be a huge asset to our business, customers and consumers. We very much look forward to welcoming him to the Group as we strive to meet our vision of ‘Proudly helping families to eat well without costing the earth’.”
This week also saw baker Wrights Food Group appoint two senior members to its team.
Health, safety and environmental compliance manager Paul Strangwood joined the business from Karro Food Group, where he served as health and safety manager since February 2020. Strangwood has held a number of health and safety roles across the food and drink industry, with positions at Cranswick, Pro-Pak Foods and Malton Foods.
Food and drink purchasing history
Lee Crank joined Wrights as its new head of purchasing after five years as managing director of consultancy Pegasus Purchasing Associates.
He previously spent eight years at Greencore in a number of purchasing roles, as well as in similar roles at Iceland Manufacturing and Loxton Food Company.
Wrights Food Group commercial director Helen Bowyer said: “Paul and Lee are experienced, knowledgeable and passionate professionals in their own fields.
“Their expertise, track record of processes, strategic development and implementation means they are exceptionally well-placed to be part of the continued growth of Wrights Food Group as our focus continues on operating an ethical and values-driven business for our customers and our highly valued team.”
Meanwhile, two brewing heavyweights have been appointed to the helm of Curious Brewery, which private equity outfit Risk Capital Partners (RCP) agreed to acquire from English wine firm Chapel Down in February.
