Hilton Food Group Navigates Leadership Shift Amid Strategic Realignment

Hilton Food Group plc (LON: HFG) is undergoing significant organizational changes designed to bolster its strategic objectives and strengthen engagement with the investment community.

These shifts include adjustments to both the Board and senior leadership, signaling a new phase of development for the company.

A key move sees Non-Executive Director Samy Zekhout stepping down from the Board to assume the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the West region.

Zekhout's extensive experience, including his prior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Nomad Foods, along with 30 years at Procter and Gamble, is expected to provide strong strategic oversight across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, and eventually, Canada.

Melanie Chambers, previously the Group's APAC Chief Executive Officer, has been appointed COO for the East region, overseeing operations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Chambers' experience in leading complex businesses in growing markets positions her well to drive growth in these key areas.

To ensure stability during these transitions, Angus Porter will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director, reversing his previously announced departure. This continuity is intended to provide support as the company implements its strategic changes.

Further adjustments include Bindi Foyle's appointment as Chair of the Audit Committee, replacing Patricia Dimond, who will continue to serve as Senior Independent Director and a member of other key committees. Hilton Food Group has also appointed Martyn Espley as Director of Investor Relations.

These organizational changes, according to Executive Chair Mark Allen OBE, are designed to strengthen leadership across both established and high-growth regions while maintaining Board continuity. Allen expressed his pleasure in welcoming Zekhout and Chambers into their expanded executive roles and retaining Porter's valuable contribution as a Non-executive Director.