Clare Urmston

Clare Urmston has joined as chief financial officer

Chicken Tonight owner Symington’s has further strengthened its senior team with two new hires.

Tim Whiting, who has worked for the company in an advisory capacity since last September, has been named chairman and brings more than 15 years’ experience in the food industry to the role.

Most recently chief executive of the Caudwell Group, Lifestyle Services Group and Phones 4U, Whiting also previously held positions with RHM and Northern Foods and has run businesses for Providence Equity Partners and BC Partners.

Meanwhile, Wilko’s former head of finance Clare Urmston has joined as chief financial officer, replacing John Kitson, who recently retired.

Prior to joining Wilko in 2009, Kitson worked for Northern Foods.

The company also recently recruited Matt Lee as chief commercial officer and Christian Boulter as head of the southern business unit.

“We have spent a great deal of effort over the last few months in restructuring the business to ensure its efficient and ongoing success,” said John Power, Symington’s CEO. “Strengthening our management team has very much been part of that plan.”