Senior appointments from across the food and drink industry

Müller Yogurt & Desserts hires new CEO​

Richard Williams has been appointed as the new chief executive of Müller Yogurt & Desserts in the UK & Ireland.

With more than 20 years of experience in senior marketing, commercial and management roles within the dairy and FMCG sector, Williams most recently served as vice president for the cheese division at Saputo.

In that role, Williams was able to develop a successful turnaround strategy, identifying and unlocking new private label contracts while overseeing key network transformation initiatives. He also has experience working in the yoghurt and desserts category, having operated as business unit director for Yoplait Europe.

Looking ahead to taking up the role later this month (March 2024), Williams said: “I can’t wait to meet the team and get started at Müller Yogurt & Desserts. It’s one of the most recognisable and loved brands in the UK, with an impressive private label business and products that are found in over half of the nation’s fridges.​

“By working hard to be the dairy partner of choice for our customers and focusing on innovation, marketing, quality and sustainability, we are in a good place to continue our growth journey and help put a smile on the nation’s face​.”

Dr Manfred Weiß, group chief commercial officer for branded dairy at Müller added: “We are excited to welcome Richard to the team. Müller Yogurt & Desserts has restored momentum and we see huge opportunities for growth.​

“With Richard in position, we are looking forward to fuelling category growth and driving more sales for our customers, which in turn benefits the whole supply chain​.”

Fairfields Farm announces two senior appointments

UK crisp producer Fairfields Farm has announced two senior appointments including the arrival of new non-executive director David Nairn.

Nairn has a wealth of industry experience, having spent almost 16 years with manufacturer Burts Snacks. For 13 of those years he acted as chair and managing director. Fairfields Farm hopes that Nairn can support its ambitious growth plans and allow the business to build on 56% turnover growth between 2022 and 2023.

“I have been working in the snack category for a long time and certainly admired Fairfields Farm from afar​,” he said.

“It’s a good, solid business with an exciting strategy and strong core values, so I feel extremely privileged to be joining the team. I very much look forward to helping the business reach new heights​.”

Elsewhere, Tash Jones has been appointed to the firm’s board after earning a promotion from head of marketing and NPD to commercial director. In her new role, Jones will oversee the business’ overall sales and marketing strategy.

Jones arrived at Fairfields Farm in April 2021 from Kettle Chips, and described herself as a long-time fan of the business.

“It’s an absolute honour to be given the opportunity to lead a talented sales and marketing team and continue our work of providing a fantastic service to our customers​,” Jones added.

Meanwhile, Fairfields Farm co-founder Robert Strathern commented: “I’d like to welcome David to the team, and I’m confident that his considerable experience and expertise in the fast-growing snacks business will help us to achieve our growth goals here at Fairfields Farm.​

“I equally would like to congratulate Tash on her new appointment as Commercial Director. The board has big upcoming ideas and plans, and Tash has already proven herself to be an asset. She will certainly play a key role in helping us to develop the business, particularly at a time when we are accelerating at such a rapid pace.”​

In other news, Mohsin Issa has said that Asda will hire a new chief executive after he carries out a “reset” of the business.​​