Symington’s has promoted its COO John Power to CEO with immediate effect.
Power takes over from David Salkeld, who steps down after a nine-year stint at the helm. To ensure a “smooth transition”, Salkeld would stay on for a three-month period, said Symington’s.
The company added Power had been “pivotal in streamlining operations” to improve factory efficiency and service delivery to customers since he was appointed COO in February.
He had also been instrumental in developing a commercial growth agenda for Symington’s Consett-based site, which the company said was at the forefront of innovation in ambient meals.
In his new role, Power would drive the “wider commercial agenda”, including longer-term partnering with customers and greater focus on key brands, the company said.
Power said he was “delighted” to have the opportunity to be at the forefront of growing Symington’s as a leading supplier of ambient convenience foods and home baking products.
Symington’s brands include Mugshot, Naked Noodle, Ainsley Harriott, Granose, Oatburst, Ragu, Chicken Tonight and Golden Wonder. It also produces Aunt Bessie’s, Peppa Pig, Minions and Paw Patrol under licence.
“Symington’s creativity and agility provides the opportunity to supply our well-loved brands in innovative modern formats well ahead of the competition,” said Power.
Prior to his appointment as COO, Power spent five years in Australia working for Weston Milling, where he was credited with delivering “multimillion-dollar cost savings”.
Wishing Salkeld “all the very best”, Symington’s said he had been instrumental in leading the company’s growth from a business of 300 people in Leeds to one of 800 people based across five UK sites.
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