News
Senior appointments in the food manufacturing industry
New CFO at Nichols
Vimto maker Nichols has announced the appointment of Richard Newman as its new chief financial officer (CFO), joining the board as director effective 29 January 2024. He will take over as CFO and company secretary from March 2024 following the publications of the group’s preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Joining from Accrol Group Holdings where he served as CFO since 2021, Newman has extensive experience within the food and drink industry, having spent 15 years in senior finance roles at Cadbury.
After leaving Cadbury, Newman took a new role as divisional finance director at National Express Group before joining DS Smith plc in 2015 as UK Finance Director for Packaging. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having qualified with PwC in 1993.
Nichols also announced the departure of non-executive director James Nichols, leaving the board and the business after 18 years with effect from 24 October 2023. It is expected that a new representative of the Nichols family will be appointed as a non-executive director in due course.
Liz McMeikan, non-executive chair, commented: “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank James for his significant contribution over the past 18 years and we wish him well and every success for the future.
“Following a thorough search process, we are delighted that Richard will be joining the business and the Board next year. Richard brings a wealth of highly relevant experience to the group and I have every confidence that he will make a substantial contribution to the group’s continued development and growth.”
Kellanova appoints new legal director
Kellanova, the new name for the company that owns Kellog’s, has appointed Gemma Wisniewski as its new legal director.
She boasts more than 20 years of experience in the fast-moving commercial goods sector, having most recently servings as legal and corporate affairs director for drinks firm Molson Coors operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa & Asia Pacific.
Prior to joining Molson Coors, Wisniewski spent 12 years working for the dairy giant Müller, where she was appointed to the role as legal counsel.
Chris Silcock, Kellanova UKI managing director, said: ‘’We’re thrilled to have Gemma join our team as she steps into the role of Legal Director. She brings with her a wealth of experience in FMCG and we’re confident she will continue to support and drive the commercial strategy of our business.”
Wisniewski will lead the legal team in delivering the business’ legal strategy across the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. She replaces Carmel Samimi, who remains with Kellanova in her new role as general counsel for Kellanova AMEA.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I’m delighted to have joined the team at Kellanova as Legal Director for the UKI and look forward to leading the business’ legal strategy. It’s such an exciting time for the company and I’m proud to be working for such a people focused business.”
Meanwhile, UK-based food manufacturers Oscar Mayer and Samworth Brothers both made senior appointments during October 2023, featured in our last round-up.
