Cooper will lead a two year project for the business that is split into three tasks – to complete the merger of Roberts Bakery and Little Treats, to deliver a more sustainable businesses model in a tough post-COVID trading environment and a develop a people strategy to reaffirm the business’s ‘values’.
He brings more than 35 years’ worth of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods industry and has worked on similar projects in the past for Mr Kipling, Hollands Pies, Samworth Brothers and Fox’s Biscuits.
Transformation director
Cooper will take over from Graham Hunter as transformation director, with plans to build on Cooper’s recent business improvement work that saw the Little Treats brand return to profit and increased turnover by 40%.
Commenting on his appointment, Cooper said: “It is a positive picture on which to build, but there are challenging times ahead with energy and commodity price increases to deal with.
“My role will be to lead the team through that and ensure that Roberts is well represented in the growth parts of the bakery shelf fixture, and to fully exploit its Cheshire roots.”
Bakery stats
Roberts Bakery has a turnover in excess of £90m with bakeries in Northwich and Ilkeston (Derbyshire). The company employs 750 people and serves a mix of national branded retail, own label and food service customers.
Mike Roberts, deputy chairman, added: “Mark has proven expertise in multiple management and operational roles and has already made a difference to the business. We are confident he is the right person to navigate us through current challenges and make a significant contribution to our future.”
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