Asda’s former head of meat becomes CEO at Crawshaw

Butcher and retailer Crawshaw Group has appointed a new chief executive and chief financial officer after suffering weak high street performances. 

Jim Viggars, previously head of fresh meat at Asda, has been appointed CEO and Nick Taylor as CFO with effect from 21 May. Earlier this year, the Rotherham-based firm warned about the profitability of its high street stores and said it had accelerated its plans to shift its focus towards factory shops. Last month, it published annual figures showing annual pre-tax losses of £13.5m.

Viggars has over 30 years’ experience within the meat industry across procurement, customer strategy and agriculture. Between 2005 and 2015, he was the head of the fresh meat department at Leeds-headquartered supermarket Asda.

Prior to this he was buying manager for Asda’s pre-packed pies division and was previously a fresh meat buyer for the group. During 2015-2017 Jim was the sales director for UK Import & Distribution Services importing grass fed beef into Europe.

Viggars’ departure from Asda was referenced in an article by The Grocer citing his dismissal for gross misconduct in connection with breaches of Walmart’s expenses policies.

Taylor joins listed firm Crawshaw having served as CFO of Janan Meat, the UK’s Halal Lamb and Mutton meat processor, since January 2017. Prior to this he was finance director of the egg products division at Noble Food Group, and between 2002 and 2015 he held a variety of roles, including that of  finance director and general manager of the Doncaster site at food processing company ABP Food Group.

Viggars will replace Noel Collett as CEO, who last month informed the Board of his intention to step down to pursue other opportunities. Taylor will replace Alan Richardson as CFO, who has left Crawshaw to take up an opportunity outside of the Group.

Taylor will also assume the role of company secretary when he joins. In the meantime, Mark Naughton-Rumbo, non-executive director, has taken on the role of interim company secretary.

Jim McCarthy, chairman of Crawshaw, said: “I am pleased to welcome Jim and Nick to Crawshaw. They both have clear commercial acumen and careers which are steeped in the industry. I am confident that their combined expertise, experience and outlook will help drive the Group forward.”