The manufacturer has promoted Rob James to the role of group engineering director, after spending the past 10 years leading the group’s canning operations in Long Sutton and Wisbech.
Henry Butters, formerly head of Princes’ drinks operations in Bradford and Glasgow for the past four years, has been appointed head of operations for canning. Meanwhile, Princes confirmed the appointment of Bradford and Glasgow factory general manager Mark Bullock.
Commenting on the appointments, Princes chief operations officer Barry McDonnell said: “Rob, Henry and Mark have all made valuable contributions to the group, proving themselves as strong, talented leaders who will be instrumental in continuing to develop our UK manufacturing operations and readying our workforce for the future.
Laser-focus on standards
“I have no doubt that they will continue to deliver in these new positions, with a laser-focus on maintaining leading standards in operational excellence across the business.”
Rob James replaces Alan Ellis, who will be retiring in March 2024 after two years at Princes and a ‘long, successful career’ spanning over 20 years within asset and capital engineering.
“Alan has been an incredible asset to the business, having completely transformed Group Engineering over the past two years at Princes. We wish him our very best for a long and happy retirement,” McDonnell added.
News of Princes latest appointments comes five months after it announced former Coca-Cola European Partners vice president for commercial development Simon Harrison would be joining its board of directors as deputy managing director.
Princes’ operations
Princes operates seven manufacturing sites in and around the UK, including two production facilities in Long Sutton (Lincolnshire) and Wisbech (Cambridgeshire); three soft drinks factories in Glasgow, Bradford and Cardiff; and two edible oils processing plants at Erith and Belvedere in south-east London managed by Edible Oils.
The manufacturer produces more than 3,000 different food and drink products under its owned brands such as Napolina and Crosse & Blackwell, as well as customer own-label. Princes also manufactures branded products under license, including Branston Beans, Swizzels Squash and Batchelor’s Peas.
In other appointment news, global ingredients supplier Tate & Lyle has announced the appointment of David Hearn as a director and chair of the firm’s board.
