Real Good Food reappoints Mike Holt as executive director

Holt, formerly non-executive chairman for the group, has taken the role with immediate effect – a position he previously held following the departure of chief executive Hugh Cawley in September 2019.

Real Good Food said the appointment was in response to the increased amount of work undertaken by Holt since the departure of executive director Paul Richardson in March this year.

New chief executive ​

Richardson left the position less than six months after Cawley’s departure last year in order to pursue a full-time role.​ Cowley oversaw several disposals by the manufacturer, including its frozen desserts firm RGF Patisserie and the jam business R&W Scott.

Holt’s role will continue to be part-time, complementing the strategic and operational focus of the managing directors of Real Good Food’s two autonomous business units – Brighter Foods and Renshaw – while ‘focusing on maximising shareholder returns’.

Last year Gail Lumsden was also appointed as an independent non-executive director, bringing with her 20 years of experience within senior food and drink roles.

Appointments ​

Commenting at the time, Holt said: “Her extensive experience in developing strategies will undoubtedly prove to be very useful and will add significant value to the company. I look forward to working with her as we continue to improve the group’s performance.”​

Meanwhile, last week, dairy ingredients firm Meadow Foods has announced the appointment of Per Harkjaer as chairman.​​

Harkjaer replaces Simon Chantler, who will remain on the board as a non-executive director and remains the largest individual shareholder.