The industry is mourning the loss of Paul Kitchener, who has passed away after a long illness.

Kitchener held a number of senior roles in the industry, including chief operating officer of Brakes and CEO of Burton’s Foods. He joined Premier Foods in December last year as group technical and ­innovation director.

Premier Foods CEO Robert Schofield said he had a lifelong friendship with Kitchener.

“He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, who was enthusiastic in all that he did and who helped and mentored many­ ­people,” Schofield said.