The Board of Greencore Group plc (“Greencore” or the “Group”), a leading manufacturer of convenience foods in the UK, today announces that, following a comprehensive Chair search and selection process, it has appointed Leslie Van de Walle as a Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate. Leslie will join the Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 December 2022.
Leslie will succeed the present Chair, Gary Kennedy at the conclusion of Greencore’s Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) in January 2023. Gary, who has been Executive Chair since 2021, Chair since 2013 and a Non-Executive Director since 2008, will retire as Chair and from the Board on the same date.
Leslie is currently Chair of Euromoney Institutional Investor plc and is a Non-Executive Director of HSBC UK Bank plc. His extensive executive career has included serving as Group Chief Executive Officer at Rexam plc, and as Executive Vice President of Global Retail at Shell. Leslie also brings many years of food industry experience and knowledge from previous senior management positions at Danone, Cadbury Schweppes and United Biscuits plc, where he served as Group Chief Executive Officer.
In addition, he has held various non-executive roles and was previously Chair of Robert Walters plc and SIG plc, as well as Deputy Chair and a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Nomination Committee at Crest Nicholson Holdings plc and Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee of DCC plc.
Gary Kennedy, Executive Chair, commented:
“Leslie brings a wealth of Non-Executive and Chair experience across multiple sectors including food. I know that he will provide the Board with strong and effective leadership and that he will be a great support to our incoming CEO, Dalton Philips, who has been involved in the process and welcomes Leslie’s appointment.
It has been a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues at Greencore for nearly fifteen years, as we transformed the Group into a leader in the UK convenience food sector. I have every confidence that the Group has the capabilities to continue to lead and grow in its markets in the years ahead.”
Leslie Van de Walle commented:
“I am excited to be joining Greencore at such an important time for the business. Strong progress has been made in driving revenue growth and improved profit conversion against the backdrop of a very challenging economic and food industry environment. I am looking forward to working with Dalton, his executive team and the Board to advance this further and to create superior value for stakeholders.”
Sly Bailey, Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee, commented:
“Following an extensive and thorough search the Board is delighted to appoint Leslie as Chair Designate. Leslie is a highly experienced Chair who brings a strong understanding of the business, its markets and the opportunities available within the UK food industry. I know he will lead the Board with determination and flair. On behalf of Greencore I welcome Leslie to the Board.”
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Gary for his outstanding contribution to the business since 2008. He has led the Board through the most exceptional and challenging times culminating as Executive Chair. His enthusiasm and commitment to Greencore and its people have been unwavering. He leaves with our grateful thanks and best wishes for every future success.”
