UK-based meat producer 2 Sisters Food Group has appointed Ronald Kers as its new CEO, effective from 1 June 2018.
Kers formerly served as the global CEO of Müller, and he brings with him more than two decades of experience at global FMCG companies including Nestlé and Procter & Gamble.
He will replace Ranjit Singh in the role, who announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from his position after 25 years at the helm, and he was subsequently appointed as President of 2 Sisters’ parent company Boparan Holdings.
Singh made the announcement following a challenging few months for the company, during which time it was implicated in a food hygiene scandal following an investigation by The Guardian and ITV.
Workers at a 2 Sisters plant in West Bromwich were found to be altering kill dates and the undercover report stated that employees were seen changing records of where the chickens had been slaughtered.
These allegations led to the proposed closure of three of the company’s UK production facilities earlier this year, putting up to 900 jobs at risk.
Commenting on the appointment, Singh said: “This appointment underlines our serious intention to do what we say we’re going to do.
“I am pleased that Ronald is joining 2 Sisters as CEO and we will benefit from his tremendous experience working in many of the world’s leading global food businesses.
“The last 25 years has been all about growing 2 Sisters. Today we have reset our direction and we are focusing back on our core strengths and getting back to what we do best – delivering great value, great quality food for our customers.”
Kers added: “2 Sisters is an incredible company and I am pleased to take over from Ranjit and write the next chapter of its success story, one which is often overlooked. Under Ranjit’s leadership this business has grown from scratch to over £3.2bn turnover and has 23,000 employees working across 48 sites in various countries.
“It will be a privilege to work with such a successful entrepreneur.
“Ranjit and his team have built some strong foundations here and all colleagues should never forget how we help feed consumers in several countries every day with quality, affordable food. That is something to be extremely proud of.
“We are already the largest food business in the UK but what I would like to do now is, with the help of all colleagues, customers and other stakeholders, transform the business from good to great to being the best everywhere we operate.”
Source: FoodBev
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
