Cook Trading has appointed former Pret a Manger UK and Europe managing director Clare Clough as its new co-CEO, to replace co-founder Ed Perry.
Clough will form a new partnership at the top of the family-run ready meal retailer with current Cook co-CEO Rosie Brown.
While he is stepping away from the day-to-day running of Cook, Perry, who has served as co-CEO alongside his sibling Brown for the past 25 years, is “stepping up” into the full-time role as executive chair, as the business looks to hit £200m in sales by 2030.
“For the past couple of years, I’ve been spending more and more time working on the bigger picture and less on the day-to-day,” Perry said.
“Becoming full-time chair simply makes it my sole focus. I’m more excited than ever by the opportunity in front of us. Adding Clare to the team gives us exactly the experience we need to grasp it and I’ve no doubt she and Rosie will form a winning partnership.”
Clough spent 15 years at coffee giant Pret, including six as UK managing director before stepping down in September 2025. She knows the Cook business well, having sat on its board as a non-executive director for seven years.
“Cook is among the most exciting food brands in Britain,” Clough said. “As a non-exec, I’ve seen just how impressive an operation it is and I feel privileged to be joining the team to partner with Rosie.
“The deeply held values of the business can be tasted in the quality of the meals and puddings they make. I’m just as committed as Rosie to making sure we keep what makes Cook special as we grow.”
Cook has announced two other board changes alongside her appointment, with long-time non-exec co-chairs Nick Candler and James Perry both also stepping down. Perry will remain a non-exec board member.
“Our vision for Cook has always been to build a successful business that’s a force for good across the nation,” said co-CEO Brown. “As we grow, it’s essential we become even more Cook and ensure we don’t dilute our values or culture. Clare knows how we operate from her years on our board and I’m hugely excited by the opportunity to work alongside her, as I know I’m going to learn so much.”
It follows what was described as another “pleasing year” for the Sittingbourne-based manufacturer, where overall sales grew 10% to £131.7m.
Cook – which is backed by Associated British Foods – aims to hit the £200m threshold by further investments into its store expansion and subscriptions business. It’s set for a major expansion of its cold supply chain under a project dubbed ‘Vanilla’ throughout 2026, which will see it double its capacity.
ABF increased its stake in Cook in October. Filings posted at Companies House, not included in the financial period covered by the latest accounts, show the giant now owns more than a quarter, but less than half, of the business.
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