Northern Foods’ Barden joins Brakes

STEFAN Barden is joining catering supplier Brakes after stepping down as chief executive of Northern Foods.

Mr Barden’s new role was announced just hours after Northern Foods confirmed he was leaving the company as it merges with Greencore to form Essenta Foods.

Mr Barden said he had been “extremely impressed” by group chief executive Philip Jansen’s “vision and ambition” for Brakes Group which employs 10,000 people and has a £2.6bn turnover.

“I am excited to be working with Philip and his team to support the Group’s future growth plans. Brakes is a significant player in the UK and I will support management in delivering the highest levels of service and quality to our customers,” he said.

Mr Barden is due to leave Northern Foods next week after four years with the business and join Brakes immediately.

Mr Jansen said: “I am delighted to welcome Stefan to Brakes. He is an experienced and talented leader who will bring a great deal to our business. Stefan’s appointment will provide us with dedicated leadership of our important UK business and enable group chief operating officer Ian Goldsmith to focus on building our international operations. I very much look forward to working with Stefan.”