Linda Evans and Matt Smith will become co-managing directors from 12 March, moving from their roles as Place UK’s commercial director and finance director, respectively.
The new appointments will see Evans heading up commercial, people and culture; while Smith will lead on finance, IT and operations.
Founded in 1954 by John Place, the move marks the first time the Norfolk business has appointed joint managing directors. It also follows Pieter van Egmond’s resignation last May, who left the business after six years.
Egmond joined The Fresh Partnership as a managing partner on a freelance basis in June 2025; and has this month joined Dyson Farming as its CEA general manager.
Incoming co-managing director, Smith, said: “We have an exceptional team at Place UK, and I am delighted to take on this new role with Linda.
“We share the belief that our people are our most important asset, and we’re looking forward to empowering colleagues to continue delivering an exceptional range of products and services to our customers.”
His counterpart, Evans, added: “I’m looking forward to jointly leading this ambitious family-founded business as it continues a high growth trajectory.”
Place UK began its life as R & J M Place Ltd, with founder John Place producing and developing soft fresh fruit, which was then sold to jam, yoghurt, ice cream and dessert manufacturers.
Today, it is one of the UK’s leading growers and processors of premium strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and British-grown rhubarb.
The Place family are still involved in the business, with fourth generation relative, Ben Place acting as retail business manager since 2021.
