Meat and seafood processor Hilton Food Group has appointed a former CEO of Barratt Developments as chairman to continue moves to stabilise the business following a challenging period.
Mark Clare will take on the role of non-executive chairman on 1 July, with Mark Allen officially becoming CEO of the group on the same day.
Allen stepped in as executive chairman at Hilton following the surprise departure of Steve Murrells as CEO in the wake of a profits warning last year. Hilton has struggled to cope with rising prices and lower volumes, especially in the seafood industry.
Clare is a veteran of the housing industry having led developer Barratt Developments from 2006 to 2015. He is currently a non-executive director at home improvement retailer Wickes and renewable energy company Drax Group.
Clare was also chairman at residential housing group Grainger from 2017 to earlier this year, at energy services provider Aggreko from 2020 to 2021 and at engineering group Ricardo from 2022 to 2025.
He ran British Gas from 2002 to 2006 and was CFO of the energy supplier’s parent Centrica from 1997 to 2002. And he has held senior independent director roles at United Utilities and Coral Group.
“Mark brings fantastic public company and commercial experience to our board,” Allen said.
“He has been successful at the most senior executive and non-executive levels in a distinguished career. The board and I are very much looking forward to working with him.
“In the role of group chief executive officer, I will value the broad and deep experience he will be able to bring to bear as chair of the board, especially as we implement our clear plan arising from our strategic review to focus the business on its core capabilities and deliver sustainable long-term growth.”
Clare added: “I am delighted to be joining the board. Hilton Foods is at a pivotal stage in its evolution as it focuses on its strategy built around three growth levers, disciplined capital allocation and updated medium-term targets.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the board as we seek to maximise the business’ core, enhance its mix and expand geographically.”
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