People on the move in the food and drink industry
Food logistics firm appoints new md
Chilled and frozen food logistics firm Walker Logistics has promoted sales and marketing director William Walker to the role of managing director.
He is to replace Bob Montague, who has served in the role of md for the past 15 years. Montague will remain with the company in a consulting role.
Walker Logistics’ chairman Philip Walker commented: “William has been instrumental in the company’s success and has helped transform Walker Logistics into a world-class third party logistics services provider.
“Our clients and employees can have real confidence in William being an excellent choice to lead the company in the next phase of its development.”
William Walker will work alongside Montague to allow for a smooth transition and continuity of leadership.
Former Heineken managing director named C&C Group CEO
Magners Cider owner C&C Group appointed former Heineken managing director David Forde to head the company as its new chief executive.
Forde will join the business from early 2021 at the latest after spending 32 years with Heineken. His appointment followed an intensive recruitment campaign by C&C, which saw Forde unanimously voted as the board’s preferred candidate.
C&C interim executive chairman Stewart Gilliland said: “Following a thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates for the position, we believe David has the requisite blend of brands, distribution and pub sector expertise to maximise the potential of our iconic brands and optimise the potential of our distribution capabilities.”
Gilliland will continue in the role of interim executive chairman until Forde joins the business, at which time he will revert to the role of non-executive chairman.
Kerry Foods CEO joins Noble Foods
Kerry Foods chief executive Duncan Everett has left the chilled foods manufacturer to head up egg processor Noble Foods.
Commenting on Everett’s appointment, Noble Foods owner Sarah Dean said: “Duncan embodies the values that are extremely important to us as a family business.
“He is committed to fostering a proud culture while also encouraging teams to take risks and challenging them to look for new ways to connect and build relationships with our partners, from farmers to retailers, consumers and our business customers.”
Kerry Foods has since promoted managing director of brands Nick Robinson to the role of chief executive in Everett’s absence.
Meadow Foods names director of speciality ingredients
Ingredients supplier Meadow Foods has appointed Neil Chivers as its new director of specialty ingredients.
Chivers will manage the businesses value-added ingredients portfolio and will have overall responsibility for sales, new product development and marketing departments.
Commenting on his appointment, Chivers said: “Meadow Foods has a proven reputation as an innovative ingredients supplier and the role presents a fantastic opportunity to utilise this position, by extending into new and diverse markets
“In particular, I am very much looking forward to leading the NPD team that devises and delivers exciting new value-added products to customers.”
Groceries Code Adjudicator replacement announced
Former Compass Group lawyer Mark White has been named as the next Groceries Code Adjudicator, to replace Christine Tacon at the end of her tenure.
Tacon was reappointed for a term of up to six months to provide continuity to the groceries sector through the coronavirus pandemic. She will exit the role at the end of 2020 at the latest.
Wright currently serves as a non-executive chairman of Digital Reconnaissance Limited, a cyber protocol employee reference checking company. He is also member of the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) and of the Lower Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber) at HM Courts & Tribunal Service.
Small business minister Paul Scully, who revealed the news, said: “Mark White’s extensive experience will bring valuable insight to this important role, providing support to the groceries sector through these difficult times. I look forward to working with him to ensure a level playing field between grocers and suppliers.”
