Greencore reveals Coveney replacement

13-May-2022 - Last updated on 13-May-2022 at 14:07 GMT

Dalton Philips will take up the role of Greencore chief executive

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Convenience food manufacturer Greencore has appointed Dalton Philips as chief executive and executive director to replace Patrick Coveney.

Philips will join the group and the board on 26 September 2022, taking up the role Coveney left at the end of March.

Formerly chief executive of Morrisons between 2010 and 2015, Philips joins Greencore from global airports and travel retail group Daa where he served as group chief executive since 2017.

Prior to this, Philips has held a number of senior roles the George Weston Group – including chief operating officer of Canadian grocery retailer Loblaw Companies – and was chief executive at luxury goods retailer Brown Thomas Group.

Dynamism and ambition

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I know from my time as a Greencore customer that this is a business with exceptional dynamism, adaptability and ambition, and one that is committed to the highest levels of product quality, customer service, and sustainability.

“I am looking forward very much to joining their industry-leading team in September, and to helping to realise the significant future growth potential that I see for this business.”

Patrick Coveney announced his resignation as Greencore’s director and chief executive in a market statement in November last year. Pending the appointment of Philips, non-executive chair Garry Kennedy has taken a more active role while chief commercial officer Kevin Moore has assumed the role of deputy chief executive.

‘Strong track record’

Kennedy added: “On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to be welcoming someone of Dalton’s calibre and experience to Greencore’s senior leadership team. In addition to his outstanding knowledge of the grocery sector, he has a strong track record of leading dynamic consumer-related businesses.

“We see him as the ideal candidate to lead Greencore into the next phase of its journey as it continues to emerge strongly from the challenges of trading through the pandemic. Until Dalton’s arrival at the end of September, I will continue in the role of executive chair, supported by Kevin Moore, Deputy CEO, and Emma Hynes, chief financial officer.”

Meanwhile, biscuit giant Pladis has appointed Tim Brett as its new managing director for Western Europe and Emerging Markets.