On Wednesday, Premier Foods announced that Keith Hamill OBE will take over as non-executive Chair of the company, replacing David Beever who is stepping down after nine years at Premier, five of which he spent as chair.
 
Keith will join the Board on 1 October as non-executive Chair designate and will be appointed as Chair on 9 November. He has previously been finance director for WH Smith, chair of Travelodge and currently serves as non-executive director of Easyjet plc and Samsonite.

Premier Foods owns a large portfolio of brands, including Mr Kipling cakes, Ambrosia custards, Oxo, Sharwoods and Bisto gravy.

Already in debt, Premier saw profits fall by 10 percent last year, and underlying sales dipped 1.4 percent from £801m to £790m. In July, Premier revealed that total sales had fallen by 3.1 percent in the first quarter of the financial year. Premier put the decline down to price rises and warm weather, which affected sales of its branded groceries.

On Wednesday, incumbent chair, David Beever, said,  “It has been a privilege to have served as Chairman of Premier Foods for five years and to have worked with such a talented and dedicated executive team. I wish Keith, the Board, and the Company every success in the future and believe Premier Foods is well positioned for future growth.”

Ian Krieger, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of Premier Foods, added, “We are delighted to welcome Keith Hamill, OBE, as Chairman of the Board and look forward to working with him to deliver long-term value for shareholders. Keith’s background in consumer facing businesses in addition to his breadth of experience as a Chairman and non-executive director will be invaluable as we continue to focus on our strategic objectives. I would like to thank David Beever for his commitment and significant contribution to the Company over the last nine years and extend our very best wishes to him as he reduces his work commitments.”

Keith Hamill, commented, “I am very pleased to be joining Premier Foods as Chairman of the Board and look forward to working with the team to deliver value from its great portfolio of brands.”