Albert Fisher's commercial director Rob Burnett will take the helm at New Covent Garden Soup maker S Daniels as chief executive this summer. Daniels has been looking for a ceo for several months after current chairman and chief executive Cyril Freedman announced plans to separate the two roles in February after a disastrous year dogged by operational problems and a slump in catering demand. Burnett said: "I am very confident of making progress at Daniels this year. They've got strong brands and good support from a couple of strategic investors. "Obviously with 60% of the business in foodservice, they have been hit by foot and mouth and September 11, but things are improving." Coming from Albert Fisher, which has struggled in recent months, Burnett said he was "used to being in the trenches". "I haven't got an official start date yet, but I'll definitely take up the post by August." Daniels makes freshly squeezed fruit juices, chilled products, soup, coffee, salad and sandwich fillings from seven sites across the UK. {{NEWS }}