The Leicester-based firm has welcomed new additions to its leadership team: brands and strategy director, Matt Austin, and chief people officer, Clare Moore.
Matt Austin steps into the role following the retirement of Richard Marris, who served as brand director for an impressive ten years. Austin transitions into this newly created position after accumulating over 25 years of experience in brand, marketing, commercial, and leadership roles, particularly from his tenure at Hasbro as executive VP and chief revenue officer.
Additionally, Austin’s background includes significant leadership roles at international brands, such as nearly two years as CEO for Lindt & Sprüngli in the UK and Ireland, and various years as a general manager at Mars.
On the other hand, Clare Moore comes from her role as chief people and sustainability officer at Headlam Group, where she contributed for three years. Her prior experience includes senior leadership positions at The Midcounties Co-op and Halfords.
Moore is set to replace Jo Werth, the current group people director, who is taking a career break after nine years at Samworth Brothers.
Group executive officer Simon Wookey commented on the pair’s arrival: “We extend a welcome to Matt and Clare, who will both bring significant insight and expertise to the business as we develop our future strategy.”
“As our new internal appointments demonstrate, we are tremendously lucky to have great bench strength among our senior team, and we also welcome other fresh leadership talent to help us maintain our competitive edge and continue to thrive far into the future.”
Furthermore, four category managing directors—Rachael Bouch (food to go), Kerrie Bailey (meals), Fred Lea (savoury pastry), and Lee Sullivan (managing director of Walkers Deli & Sausage Protein Business)—will also join the Samworth Brothers Group executive board this month. These appointments come in the wake of the retirement of chief operating officer Paul Davey, who concluded 18 years with the business in December.
