Ex Holland’s Pies boss joins Peter’s Food Service
Court-Johnston left Holland’s Pies in May in the wake of allegations that he had talked with third parties regarding a management buyout without the consent of bosses at parent company Northern Foods.
Northern Foods declined to comment on the circumstances of Court-Johnston’s departure but confirmed that interim manager Mark Cooper is still running Holland’s Pies.
Leading pie, pasty and sausage roll maker
Court-Johnston said his aim in his new role was to help Peter’s realise its “vision to be recognised as the leading innovator of savoury pastry in UK” while hispriorities would be to develop the Peter’s brand within foodservice and explore new sales channels.
Based in Bedwas in South Wales, Peter’s is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of pies, pasties and sausage rolls, turning over £65m. It is divided into three divisions: retail, foodservice and manufacturing.
Ambition and talent
Court-Johnston had the “ambition, talent and know-how” to open up fresh opportunities for Peter’s foodservice division, said Peter’s Group md Mike Grimwood.
“Peter’s presents an exceptional opportunity to develop nationally. In Neil, we have attracted someone who is well equipped with the necessary ambition, talent and know-how to lead the next phase of our business growth.”
The firm, which was acquired by its management and NGBI Private Equity in a £20m deal in 2007, also operates several distribution centres throughout the UK, and has more than 50 years’ experience in supplying fast food outlets, fish bars, restaurants, cafes, sandwich shops, independent retailers, schools, hospitals and hotels with more than 900 product lines.
Court-Johnston worked at Northern Foods for more than five years, joining in 2005 as group customer director and progressing on to sales director at Pork Farms in 2006 and commercial director for ready meals in 2007 before taking the helm at Holland’s Pies in July 2008.
