After more than two years at the helm, chief executive officer Simon Wookey is set to step down from the role to take on “a number of other projects”.
He will be replaced by Steve Murrells CBE in January 2027, with the two men due to collaborate closely through to Wookey’s planned retirement in June 2027 to ensure “a smooth transition”.
An experienced leader in the food and drink sector, Murrells most recently served as CEO of Hilton Foods from 2022 to 2025. Before that, he was CEO of retail at the Co-op from 2012 to 2017 before becoming group CEO from 2017 to 2022.
Mark Samworth, chairman of Samworth Brothers, said: “I want to thank Simon for the significant contribution he has made in his eight years at Samworth Brothers, particularly in the last three as CEO.
“Simon has played a leading role in our industry for nearly 40 years and has led a number of important food businesses to great effect. He has exemplified the strong values and integrity that are vital to maintaining the trust of those who buy our food.
He added: “We are delighted that Steve is joining us as CEO. His experience across the food and retail sectors is second to none and the Board and I look forward to working with him as he takes this great business through the next phase of its growth.”
The transition will cap off an impressive career for Wookey, who was appointed CEO in July 2024 after joining Samworth Brothers as an executive board director and chief commercial officer (CCO) in 2019.
Earlier in his career, he spent 20 years at Greencore, culminating in a divisional managing director role.
He went on to hold leadership positions in fresh and chilled foods with Maple Leaf Foods and 2 Sisters Food Group.
Based in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Samworth Brothers owns some of the UK’s best-known food brands, including Ginsters, Soreen and West Cornwall Pasty Co.
Murrells said: “Samworth Brothers is a business I have always admired, with a long history and track record of making great food that people love.
“I am excited to be joining as chief executive officer and look forward to working with all the great people throughout the business and our customers across retail and hospitality.”
