UK – Boparan Holdings, the parent company of British food manufacturer, 2 Sisters Food Group, has appointed retail industry heavyweight, Richard Pennycook as the new Chairman of the business.
Richard will succeed Lord Charles Allen of Kensington, who has decided to retire from the business. The company said that Richard will join 2 Sisters in early 2020 without giving a specific date.
During almost nine years in the non-executive Chairman role, Lord Allen has helped steer the company since its acquisition of Northern Foods Ltd in 2011 to the successful, diversified food manufacturer it is today.
Owner and President of Boparan Holdings Ltd, Ranjit Singh Boparan, said: “I have very much enjoyed working with Charles and would like to thank him for his wise counsel, support and leadership over the last nine years.
“I am delighted we have been able to attract Richard to the Chairman role and I look forward to working with him. His knowledge, skills and experience of the sector will be invaluable as we continue to transform the business.”
Lord Allen of Kensington said: “I have very much enjoyed my time at 2 Sisters Food Group and working with Ranjit and Ronald Kers, the CEO. They are a formidable team and I wish them continued success with the business.”
Richard Pennycook is one of the UK’s leading retail figures. His previous executive roles include Board positions at Morrisons Supermarkets, the RAC, Bulmers and J D Wetherspoon.
He was previously the CEO of the Co-op Group from 2014 and led the transformation of the business. Richard joined the Co-op group in 2013 as CFO, was made CEO in 2014 and left to go plural in 2017 following a successful rescue and turnaround of the business.
He is also the Chairman of the British Retail Consortium and the lead non-executive board member at the Department of Education.
Commenting of his appointment, Richard Pennycook said: “I have long admired 2 Sisters and I am very excited to be taking over the Chairman role. I look forward to working with Ranjit and Ronald to further build and strengthen the Group.”
