Nick Vermont

Nick Vermont

McCain Foods has announced that Howard Snape is to take over the role of regional president for GB & Ireland after the retirement of company veteran Nick Vermont.

Vermont will step down in September after 35 years with McCain, having most recently kicked off a major upgrade of the supplier’s facilities in Scarborough, following the commitment last year to invest more than £100m in renovating the plant.

He began his career at McCain in 1983, working across the marketing departments in both the UK and Canadian arms, before being appointed GB managing director in 1998. He took on the role of regional president in 2004.

During his time at McCain, Vermont had “seen the brand grow from strength to strength, maintaining its position as the number one frozen potato brand in the UK” he said. “I look forward to watching the business flourish for many years to come.”

Snape, currently global leader for sustainable cost advantage strategy, will take up his new position as McCain celebrates 50 years in the UK.

Having worked at the frozen specialist for 25 years, he has significant leadership experience at home and abroad. He worked for 20 years in commercial roles of increasing responsibility across retail, food service and quick service restaurants.

For the past five years, Snape has worked at a global level, focused on commercial excellence and building a sustainable competitive advantage.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role, especially at such an exciting time for the GB and Ireland business,” he said. “With a passion for continuous improvement and growth, Nick has left a great legacy for me to build on.”