Samworth Brothers has hired a new CFO as Charles Noble is set to leave the food manufacturing giant in April. It comes amid a raft of new appointments to the group’s executive board in the new year.
Noble is leaving Samworth to pursue an unspecified career opportunity after joining the business in January 2024 from AB Sugar.
Stephen Cunningham, who a Samworth spokeswoman said had extensive food industry experience, has been appointed as interim CFO. Cunningham spent five years as UK finance director at Bakkavor until 2014. He spent a number of years at the poultry division of 2 Sisters Food Group, where he was FD until 2018.
Samworth has also appointed two new senior external hires to its group executive board.
Matt Austin joins as brands and strategy director, a new role for the group, following the retirement of current brands director Richard Marris after 10 years with the business.
Austin brings experience from US toy multinational Hasbro, where he was responsible for global sales and marketing as executive vice president & chief revenue officer. His other roles have included CEO for UK & Ireland at Lindt & Sprüngli, and more than 20 years working for Mars & Wrigley in general manager and commercial roles across Europe.
Austin will be the board’s lead for groupwide business strategy and take over full responsibilities for Samworth Brothers brands including Soreen, Higgidy and Ginsters.
Clare Moore has also joined as chief people officer. She was previously chief people & sustainability officer at listed floorings group Headlam. Prior to that, she was chief people officer at Midcounties Co-operative and group HR director at Halfords.
Moore replaces current group people director Jo Werth, who is taking a career break after nine years at Samworth.
Samworth Brothers four category managing directors, Rachael Bouch (food to go), Kerrie Bailey (meals), Fred Lea (savoury pastry) and Lee Sullivan (managing director of the Walkers deli & sausage protein business), also joined the executive board this year.
Samworth said this would provide additional direct representation of the business’ core categories, alongside its brands, at the most senior level.
These new appointments follow the retirement of chief operating officer Paul Davey in December 2025 after 18 years with Samworth Brothers.
“We extend a welcome to Matt and Clare, who will both bring significant insight and expertise to the business as we develop our future strategy,” CEO Simon Wookey said.
“As our new internal appointments demonstrate, we are tremendously lucky to have great bench strength among our senior team, but also welcome other fresh leadership talent to help us keep our competitive edge and continue to thrive far into the future.”
Sam Mitchell remains as chief commercial officer and Darren Haynes will continue to serve as chief transformation officer.
No comments yet