Matthew Mills, who is the husband of the eponymous Ella Mills, departs the position after just four months in post.
First reported by sister title The Grocer, the reasons for his departure at this stage remain unclear.
Plant-based food brand Deliciously Ella was acquired by the Swiss food and drink multinational Hero Group in September 2024 to the tune of £45 million.
In a statement, Hero Group said that Mills was leaving the business after the completion of the first phase of Deliciously Ella’s integration into the wider organisation.
The news follows the group’s announcement in December that it had put together a new UK leadership team, fronted by Mills, with Deliciously Ella set to be integrated into its UK and Ireland brand portfolio, which also includes baby food brand Organix.
Hero Group UK and Ireland commercial director Georgina Pattison has now been appointed to the vacancy freed up by Mills.
She had also spent time as managing director of Deliciously Ella following its acquisition, and had been working in this role until January 2026.
Hero said she is “uniquely prepared” for her new role and is a “strong and values-driven leader with deep FMCG experience, a sharp commercial mindset and a track record of delivering results through close collaboration and clear accountability”.
Pattison first joined Deliciously Ella as commercial director in 2016, and went on to hold the finance and commercial director position before being made managing director.
“We thank Mills for his commitment and leadership, including the integration of the Deliciously Ella business within Hero UK & Ireland, and wish him all the best for the future,” said Menno Oosterhoff, chief markets and sales officer at Hero.
“The UK is a strategic market for Hero, and our priorities and commitment remain unchanged. Our focus is on strengthening our foundations to continue to develop our strong brands, unifying and mobilising the team around new ways of working, and strengthening our execution with clarity and pace.”
