Chris McDermott is set to retire from the Corby-based, employee-owned business in January 2026 and will be succeeded by current chief commercial Officer Ashley Farmer.
Under McDermott’s leadership Cambridge Nutritional Foods has experienced significant growth, in large part through the expansion of its brand portfolio which now includes The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan), women’s wellbeing brand Serenova and food product development & manufacturing provider Food Nutrition Partners.
McDermott joined the business as PR manager for The 1:1 Diet in 2003 and has since worked his way through the ranks, serving as business development director and then CEO, a title he has held for the past 10 years.
“Working at CNF has been the most extraordinary adventure of my life, and it has been the greatest privilege to lead this business,” McDermott said.
“Its most important element to me has always been its people, and I am grateful to all those I have met and the achievements we have made together.
“I wanted to create the best possible environment to make this decision, knowing that the business would be in the best position to move on to the next level.”
Touching on his replacement, McDermott added: “Ashley has made a significant difference to the business and has brought a huge amount of drive, energy and financial rigour to all of our commercial functions. With his strong leadership in place and an exciting new strategy, I am confident in this exciting next chapter in the history of CNF as he takes the business to new heights.”
Farmer joined Cambridge Nutritional Foods in 2023 after more than 10 years in sales roles and was tasked with unifying the sales, marketing, product and digital functions of the company.
“Chris has steered the business through some pivotal moments, and I know that his passion, drive, and skill has delivered so much to our customers and stakeholders, and I would like to thank him personally for that,” Farmer said.
“We are entering a new chapter with a bold vision to shape a future of lasting growth and success, so I am extremely proud to be taking on the role of CEO as we continue to grow from one brand into multiple businesses.”
