New MD and CEO at Radnor Hills

A veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, Knight has worked as a consultant for the drinks producer for the past two years after being recommended by the Welsh Government.

Knight has held a number of senior roles within the food and drink industry, including a seven-year stint as sales and marketing director for Burts Snacks and more than 12 total years at Mars Wrigley.

‘Strategic and collaborative focus’

Commenting on his appointment, Knight said: “I intend to bring a strategic and collaborative focus to my new role and will be setting very clear goals that bring the wider team together as one.​

“Every person is vital for us to succeed so I’ll be focusing on our brilliant people and their capabilities to ensure we are set up for success and can ultimately deliver results for all of our stakeholders.”​

William Watkins, who founded Radnor Hills in 1990, welcomed Knight to the team and praised his track record within the food and drink industry.

‘Longer-term projects’

“These are exciting times for the business,”​ Watkins added. “Radnor Hills continues to grow, and Simon’s focus will be on the day to day running of the business, allowing me to focus on the longer-term projects, ensuring we continue to have in place the capacity to keep up with the demand of our products.”​

Knight’s appointment and Watkins move to chief executive followed a string of investments by the drinks manufacturer, which saw Radnor acquire Highland Spring Group’s Welsh production site last year.

It also unveiled a multi-million-pound investment in its Knighton-based manufacturing site with new production facilities, a quality assurance laboratory, a ‘state-of-the-art’ office complex and a conference facility on its site.

Meanwhile, new senior appointments​​ have been announced at Marks and Spencer, Pladis and Applied Nutrition.