Bernard Matthews appoints new chief executive
As well as senior roles within cooked meats companies, Just’s prior roles included md of Transfoods, group chief executive at Parkham Food Group and group commercial director at Browns Food Group.
A spokesman for Bernard Matthews said: “Chris is an experienced ceo with substantial knowledge in business leadership and commercial expertise with more than 30 years in food manufacturing and retail.
“His track record demonstrates his determination to drive food businesses forward and in doing so help them fulfill their potential.”
Commenting on his appointment, Just said: “My intention is to create a solid foundation upon which we can grow the business and make Bernard Matthews great again.”
In addition to his business achievements, Just was also awarded an honorary fellowship for his outstanding achievements by the Royal Society of Arts in 2008.
In January 2017, Boparan Private Office was given Competition and Markets Authority approval to acquire Bernard Matthews. The business said it was an opportunity to “secure a brighter future for the company”.
Since then, the former owner of Bernard Matthews, Rutland Partners, has come under fire regarding workers’ pensions while the takeover by Boparan Private Office was described as “carefully crafted” in favour of secured creditors by Professor Prem Sikka of the University of Essex.
