Joining the Leicester-based firm is brands and strategy director, Matt Austin, and chief people officer, Clare Moore.
Austin joins Samworth Brothers following the retirement of current brand director Richard Marris, who leaves after a considerable ten-year spell with the company.
Having built up over a quarter century’s worth of brand, marketing, commercial and leadership experience, Austin moves into this newly created position from his role at toy firm, Hasbro, where he served as executive VP and chief revenue officer.
Austin has also held senior leadership roles at a range of large international brands, spending close to two years as Lint & Sprüngli’s UK and Ireland CEO, and several years as a general manager at Mars.
Moore joins from her chief people and sustainability officer role at floor coverings distributor, Headlam group, where she spent three years.
Prior to her spell at Headlam, she served in a number of senior leadership roles, including at The Midcounties Co-op and Halfords.
She is replacing current group people director Jo Werth, who is taking a career break after nine years at Samworth Brothers.
Commenting on the pair’s arrival, group executive officer Simon Wookey said: “We extend a welcome to Matt and Clare, who will both bring significant insight and expertise to the business as we develop our future strategy.
“As our new internal appointments demonstrate we are tremendously lucky to have great bench strength among our senior team, but also welcome other fresh leadership talent to help us keep our competitive edge and continue to thrive far into the future.”
Four category managing directors Rachael Bouch (category managing director food to go), Kerrie Bailey (category managing director meals), Fred Lea (category managing director savoury pastry), Lee Sullivan, managing director of Walkers Deli & Sausage Protein Business are also set to join the Samworth Brothers Group executive board this month.
These appointments follow the retirement of chief operating officer Paul Davey in December last year, after 18 years with the business.
