Premier Foods strengthens focus on growth opportunities through key leadership appointments and new Business Unit structure

Premier Foods today announces a reorganisation of its commercial structure creating three new Strategic Business Units (SBU’s) to strengthen focus on its major growth opportunities and develop more agile ways of working following the successful conclusion of a new capital structure earlier this year.

The new SBU’s will be named Grocery, Sweet Treats and International and will enable a tighter focus on capturing specific category opportunities in the UK market while ensuring a more strategic approach to developing the Company’s brands internationally. Each SBU will have full accountability for its respective portfolio and be responsible for directing innovation, marketing, sales, manufacturing and logistics resources in support of agreed growth priorities.

To lead the new structure, two new appointments have been made to the Executive leadership team. Alex Whitehouse is appointed Managing Director, Grocery bringing significant marketing, innovation and strategic experience to the Company following an 18 year career with Reckitt Benckiser plc. Graham Hunter is appointed Managing Director, Sweet Treats and brings valuable expertise in the sweet treats category having held senior general management, marketing and commercial roles at Tangerine Confectionery, Fox’s Biscuits, Jacobs Bakery and Mars.

In addition, Peter Ellis is appointed General Manager, International expanding his existing responsibilities for the Company’s international sales and building on his substantial international experience gained over 16 years at Campbell Soup Company.

As a result of these changes, the previous position of Commercial Director, Premier Foods, currently held by Ian Deste, will no longer exist. During a transition period, Ian will focus on helping execute the remainder of the Company’s 2014 commercial plans and particularly the important Christmas trading period, continuing to strengthen its customer relationships and supporting the move to the new structure.

Commenting on the new commercial organisation, Gavin Darby, CEO Premier Foods said:
“Given the major structural changes taking place in the UK grocery market, it is important we stay ahead of the game and re-focus our organisation on the most promising growth opportunities and delivering what our customers and consumers want. By implementing a focussed and more accountable business unit structure, I believe we will improve our agility and rate of innovation.”

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to attract two outstanding individuals in Alex Whitehouse and Graham Hunter to Premier Foods. They are experienced leaders with clear ideas on how we can grow the business. Together with Peter Ellis, I believe we have the right structure, leadership, experience and energy to build a stronger, more agile and less complex business and deliver shareholder value for the future.”

“I’ve worked closely with Ian Deste for some time and am very grateful to him for his important contribution in helping shape our category-focussed strategy and building stronger relationships with our retail customers. I’m pleased that he will be further supporting us in the transition to the new structure. ”