Rob Harmsworth will take on the role of commercial director as Pilgrim’s Europe, effective November 2026.
He joins the company from Aldi where he has spent more than 12 years in senior commercial, strategy and transformation leadership roles. Most recently he served as director of GBIE strategy and coordination for the discounter, leading strategic and category initiatives across Aldi and helping to drive growth and reinforce customer value.
Harmsworth has been at the commercial helm of Aldi through significant market challenges, including Brexit and the pandemic. He also acted as international project director, leading large-scale buying transformation and value chain optimisation programmes across the Aldi South Group.
At Pilgrim’s Europe, he will be responsible for strengthening customer partnerships, driving commercial growth and consolidating the company’s position as a leading food partner to UK retailers.
Commenting on the new hire, Matt Lee, chief business and growth officer for Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “Rob brings an outstanding combination of commercial leadership, customer insight and strategic transformation experience from one of Europe’s most successful retailers.
“His deep understanding of how to create value for customers, combined with his track record of delivering growth and leading complex change, will be a significant asset as we continue to strengthen our market position and accelerate our growth ambitions.”
