Overhaul at Asda
Supermarket chain Asda made a series of moves during the second half of 2024 as it looked to get back on track after sales dropped during H1.
Not only did Zuber Issa sell his minority stake to new majority owner TDR Capital, but shareholder Mohsin Issa stepped aside from his day-to-day role.
Under the leadership of TDR, former CEO Allan Leighton was reappointed as Asda executive chair in November, replacing Lord Rose.
Leighton served as Asda CEO between 1996 and 2001, before moving on and serving in a senior role at Co-op.
“The potential for Asda now is significant, and my focus will be to work with the leadership team to help make Asda special for our colleagues and millions of customers,” Leighton said after his appointment was announced.
Meanwhile, the retailer will continue its search for a new CEO in the new year.
Quorn hires new CEO
Meat-free food manufacturer Quorn Foods announced the appointment of David Flochel as its CEO in October.
The former Heineken UK managing director joined the firm in November, replacing Marco Bertacca who had been in place since January 2020.
Flochel has worked for several F&B firms including Mars and Selecta UK as well as Heineken, but most recently served as the CEO of consumer health company Haelon.
In Quorn’s most recently published results, it was revealed that the manufacturer had suffered a £63m pre-tax loss, but Circana data suggests it brands retain a strong foothold with consumers.
Commenting on his vision for the business, Flochel said that while Quorn has a “strong history of success”, 2025 will represent a “reset”.
“This is a brilliant opportunity to transform the business into the next stage of its journey and I am delighted to be taking on this new role,” he said.
“I believe that with the right focus and execution we can turn around the company and current category performance.”
2 Sisters owner appoints new head of finance
Boparan Holdings, the owner of UK meat processor 2 Sisters Food Group, appointed Nigel Williams to the role of group chief financial officer in March.
Williams’ appointment followed the departure of former CFO Craig Tomkinson, who left the business after more than a decade.
With nine years of experience at coffee chain Starbucks, Williams was most recently employed by Australian firm Collins Foods where he spent more than eight years as CFO.
After a full induction, Williams took over responsibilities in April prior to Tomkinson’s July exit.
Executive chairman Richard Pennycook commented: “[Williams] has a first-class track record in financial leadership roles and we look forward to working with him in taking the business forward to the next stage of its evolution.”
Krispy Kreme replaces UK&I president
Krispy Kreme named Guy Meakin as the new president of its UK and Ireland division in September.
Meakin took up the post with the doughnut manufacturer in November after spending the past seven years at Pret A Manger.
The appointment was made to replace Jamie Dunning, who opted to depart Krispy Kreme after two and a half years at the helm.
“I believe it is time for a new leader to take the business through the next phase of its journey and wish Guy all the best,” Dunning said at the time of the announcement.
Damm names new MD for UK business
Spanish beer company Damm appointed Luke White as the managing director of its UK business in October.
White arrived at Damm from Budweiser Brewing Group UK where he has spent the past 10 years working across a number of senior roles.
Moving forward, White has been made responsible for the growth of the Estrella Damm brand, as well as Damm’s wider portfolio which includes Free Damm, Damm Lemon, Victoria Malaga and Complot.
Founded in 1876, Damm has a presence in more than 130 countries and operates 17 production plants in Spain and Portugal, and one in the UK in UK.
“I look forward to collaborating with the team to not only build on Damm’s rich heritage but also to innovate and engage with our customers in meaningful ways, to make sure consumers get the best experience with our brands,” White said at the time of his appointment.
All change at Chapel Down
Kent-based winemaker Chapel Down announced the appointment of James Pennefather as its new CEO during December.
Pennefather will come on board in February 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the drinks sector including as the CEO of The Lakes Distillery Company.
He will replace Andrew Carter, who left the business in September to join brewer Timothy Taylor & Co.
Meanwhile, chief financial officer Rob Smith and non-executive director Stewart Gilliland are set to leave the business.
After two years as CFO, Smith will depart in April 2025 with the recruitment process to appoint his successor set to commence shortly.
“Chapel Down is the leading English winemaker and I look forward to leading the business as it pursues the next stage of transformational growth for customers and shareholders,” Pennefather said.
Bidcorp UK hires fresh foods MD
Andy Farnworth started as the new managing director for Bidcorp’s fresh food division, Bidfresh, on 1 July.
He replaced Brian Hall, who retired from Bidfresh after almost 20 years with the business.
Prior to arriving at Bidfresh, Farnworth spent 16 years at Fresh Direct during which time he served as its managing director for fresh operations in the UK.
Speaking at the time of his appointment, Farnworth said he felt privileged to lead the fresh team and to be the “custodian of such a terrific brand”.
Meanwhile, Bidcorp CEO Andrew Selley said: “Farnworth’s work on strategy, operations, sales and marketing will be a great asset to Bidfresh and its independent brands.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Brian Hall, who has been at the helm of Bidfresh for the past four and a half years. The positive changes Brian has made to Bidfresh have been phenomenal, from navigating through Brexit and the pandemic, to steering the business towards record levels of profitability. On behalf of all the team, we wish him a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Seabrook crisps owner appoints group MD
Savoury snacks manufacturer Calbee UK appointed Jon Wood as group managing director in November.
Wood replaced Daniel Woodwards, who served in the role for five and a half years after spending seven years as chief operating officer for Seabrook Crisps, a brand which has been owned by Calbee Group since 2018.
Having initially joined Seabrook in 2010, Wood has worked as group commercial director for Calbee UK since 2019.
In the UK, the firm owns brands including Seabrook Crisps, Loaded and Harvest Snaps, while it also manufactures Peppa Pig licensed snacking products.
Commenting on his promotion, Wood said: “Since joining the Calbee Group in 2018, we’ve doubled the size of the Seabrook brand and subsequently the UK business through step changing the investment in our brands and by expanding the breadth of our product offerings through capital investments in capability and capacity.”
Beneo gets new CEO
Food ingredients manufacturer Beneo appointed Olivier Roques as its new chief executive in June.
With more than 30 years of experience in the ingredients category, Roques joined from Agrana Fruit Europe where he had served as chief executive.
Roques started his career in the dairy and flavour industries, followed by more than 20 years in leadership roles at Agrana Fruit.
In addition to his role as CEO, he is also responsible for overseeing sales and marketing strategy as Beneo’s chief sales officer having succeeded Dominic Speleers.
Commenting on his appointment, Roques said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the people and products of Beneo. The portfolio supports the company’s purpose to contribute to better nutrition and health. We will continue to create strategic partnerships with our customers around the globe and adapt to their market needs.”
