Ex-Warburtons boss joins Roberts’ bakery as chairman

ROBERT Higginson, former managing director and FD at Warburtons, has joined Cheshire family-owned bakery Frank Roberts and Sons as chairman.

Based in Northwich and employing more than 800 people, Frank Roberts and Son is the UK’s fourth-largest independent baker. It was established in 1887 and today has annual sales of more than £80m and produces two million bread loaves, rolls and bakery products a week.

Mr Higginson spent 11 years at Warburtons before leaving in 2012. During his tenure the Bolton company overtook Hovis as the UK’s leading bread brand.

He began his career with Shell and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and MBA graduate from Henley Management College. He also currently sits on the advisory board of Manchester-based A2e Venture Catalysts.
 
Mike Roberts, deputy chairman, comments: “The whole family are delighted to welcome Robert to our business who brings with him both family business and bakery sector experience.”
 
Mr Higginson added:“I am delighted to have joined a family business with a great heritage and look forward to working with the board in realising the ambitions for future growth”.