FDBusiness.com

Hilton Food Group, the UK-based specialist international meat packing business, has announced a number of changes to its board. Robert Watson OBE, the current CEO, will become Executive Chairman with effect from 1 July 2018, and Non-Executive Chairman during 2020. Philip Heffer will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 July 2018. Colin Smith OBE, the current Chairman, will retire from the board on 1 July 2018; and Angus Porter has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 July 2018.

As part of the succession planning process, Hilton has considered future changes to its board of directors. Given Robert Watson’s experience, and the level of recently won new business coming on stream over the next few years, the board is unanimous that it would be in the best interests of the company for Robert to remain within Hilton Food Group. The board has consequently asked Robert to become Executive Chairman until 2020.

Robert Watson OBE.

In this Executive capacity, Robert will work to integrate the Australian business as well as focusing on new business development in new territories and new product categories. Hilton announced on 26 February 2018 an agreement to restructure the Australian meat processing joint venture, take full operational control of the Bunbury and Truganina plants from 1 July 2018 and, following a two year transitional period, acquire the relevant plant assets. It is planned that on completion of this process in 2020, Robert will become Non-Executive Chairman of the Company.

Philp Heffer joined Hilton Food Group in 1994 when the business was founded and, in his current role of Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for all of Hilton’s businesses with its major customers. The board believes that Philip has all the necessary skills to become CEO of the Group and was the unanimous choice.

Philp Heffer.

Colin Smith joined Hilton in 2010 as a Non-Executive Director and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2016.

Angus Porter has extensive knowledge and experience in public companies and the food and retail sectors with an MA in natural sciences and PhD from the University of Cambridge. He has held numerous executive and non-executive roles across a range of industry sectors including Mars, BT, Abbey National and WPP. Angus is currently Non-Executive Chairman at McColl’s Retail Group plc and Co-Chairman of Direct Wines Ltd and was formerly Chief Executive of the Professional Cricketers’ Association until 2016, Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of Punch Taverns plc until 2017 and Non-Executive Director of TDC A/S (Denmark) until 14 May 2018.