John Simons is stepping aside as chief executive of Hazlewood Foods in preparation for his retirement in two and half years' time when he reaches 55,
Group finance director Kevin Higginson has been named as his successor and the own label specialist said the lengthy handover period would allow Simons to act as his mentor before taking the post.
Simons who joined Hazlewood in 1979 with its acquisition of The Manor Vinegar Brewery Company will remain on the board with responsibility for improving the returns of its unperforming convenience and horticulture businesses in the UK.
A priority will be the ready meals business, where sales have fallen behind budget.
Higginson, who is 40, joined Hazlewood as group accountant in 1987. He rose to become group finance director in 1990.
He is replaced in that role by Neil Chalk, who also continues as company secretary.
At the same time, director of marketing Karen Carlyle joins the Hazlewood trading board as commercial director to coordinate customer development across Europe. She joined in 1998 after spells with Marks & Spencer and Asda.
The changes coincide with ontinental chief executive Tom van Gurp's decision to retire at the last AGM.
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