Simon Millard Preimier Foods

Simon Millard was previously sales director at Bahlsen UK

Premier Foods has appointed Simon Millard as its new foodservice director.

Millard, who takes up the role on 7 April, joins from Bahlsen UK, where he was sales director. Prior to Bahlsen, he worked at Mars UK for nine years.

“It is great to have Simon on board and we look forward to welcoming him to the team,” said Premier Foods trading director Ellie Krupa.

“His role will be to continue to lead the foodservice division to success, ensuring a key focus on health, nutrition and sustainability.

“I am confident Simon will join us with a fresh approach and new ideas, helping to develop the division even further,” she added.

Premier Foods Foodservice supplies brands, including Bisto, Ambrosia, Sharwood’s, Batchelors, Homepride, Bird’s and McDougalls, to the catering industry. It claims it is the UK’s largest branded food producer supplying the sector.

Millard said he was “delighted” to be joining. “It is the passion I have seen from the foodservice division, coupled with an enviable portfolio of leading brands, that has attracted me to the role,” he said.

The company has had a busy start to the year. It picked up an award for its dysphagia solutions programme in January and this week launched a new menu solutions guide to provide caterers with recipes, hints and tips for major seasonal events such as Mother’s Day, Easter, Back to School and Christmas.

“The recipes are classic dishes consumers are familiar with and will expect to see on seasonal menus, with a few innovative twists to capture their interest and increase uptake,” said Premier Foods executive chef Mark Rigby.

“Using these occasions is a great way to impress existing customers with an indulgent menu and entice new diners.”