Harrison was named as deputy managing director in June 2023 and has helped Princes achieve growth across all key business units since that point.
The business has also successfully acquired a number of major strategic customers, which Princes reports has led to record trading performance over the past 12 months.
During a career that spans more than 20 years, Harrison has gained extensive FMCG commercial and leadership experience through a series of brand and trade marketing, sales and operations roles.
Prior to joining Princes as chief commercial officer in July 2021, he spent 19 years with Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), including three years as vice president of commercial development.
Headquartered in Liverpool, Princes operates seven manufacturing sites in and around the UK, producing food, edible oils and soft drinks.
The firm manufacturers food and drink products under private label and the group’s owned brands, including Princes, Napolina and Crosse & Blackwell, among others. It also operates international facilities for processing tomatoes in Italy, tuna in Mauritius and oils in Poland.
'Business has gained momentum during Harrison's tenure'
Commenting on being offered the opportunity, Harrison said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as CEO to lead this fantastic business on its next phase of growth and to capitalise on the significant opportunities available to us, whilst continuing our unique mission of ‘proudly offering great tasting choices for everyone without costing the earth’.”
Kazuhito Suematsu, chairman of Princes Group, added: “Under Simon’s tenure as deputy managing director, our business has gained significant momentum. He will continue to accelerate this growth as CEO. Having overseen major investment into Princes infrastructure in recent years, Cameron Mackintosh will be leaving the business, and we wish him well for the future.”
In other news, French beer staple Kronenbourg 1664 has been rebranded as 1664 Bière in the UK, while the Kronenbourg brand will now simply be known as 1664.
