Northern Foods confirms Barden’s departure
STEFAN Barden is stepping down as chief executive of Northern Foods following the announcement of the food manufacturer’s merger with Greencore, it was confirmed today.
Mr Barden was not named as a board member of the enlarged group – which will be known as Essenta Foods – when the merger was announced on November 17 and as expected he is to leave the company.
Update: Northern Foods’ Barden joins Brakes
Simon Herrick, Northern Foods’ group finance director, will become acting chief executive of the company, which will continue to have a presence in Yorkshire but will be domiciled in Ireland.
Steve Henderson, group financial controller will step up to become acting chief financial officer.
Mr Barden will leave the company on November 30 when the other executive changes will also take place.
It is expected the new appointments will remain in place during the period leading up to the completion of the proposed merger.
When the merger completes, Mr Herrick will become group finance director of Essenta Foods.
Mr Barden said: “It has been a privilege to lead Northern Foods and our employees during the past four years. Together we have stabilised the business and created a platform for growth.
“I believe that the proposed merger with Greencore Group is a great result for customers, retailers, the food industry and the shareholders of both companies. I wish Patrick Coveney and the new Essenta team the very best for the future.”
Anthony Hobson, chairman of Northern Foods, said: “The board is grateful to Stefan for his successful leadership of the business over the past four years, which has helped to facilitate the merger with Greencore Group. Simon is well qualified to lead the business through the merger period, ably supported by the strong leaders of our Branded and Chilled divisions.”
Mr Herrick added: “Early feedback from the proposed merger announcement with Greencore has been very positive. The Northern Foods team will continue to work hard and ensure we maintain the strength of our underlying business, which will in turn support the creation of Essenta Foods.”
Shareholders of both Greencore and Northern Foods are to vote on the merger.
