UK-based ready meal manufacturer Oscar Mayer has announced the appointment of a new CEO and chairman, following recent changes in the company’s ownership.Ian Toal, formerly of 2 Sisters Food Group and Ornua Foods, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Oscar Mayer. Meanwhile, Clive Sharpe, an experienced professional within the food industry, has been hired as the non-executive chairman.
The appointments come three weeks after Pemberton Asset Management, a debt provider, acquired a majority share in Oscar Mayer to enhance profitability.
Toal, who has an extensive background in the Middle East from 2016 to 2021, will replace Stuart Burgin as the chief executive of Oscar Mayer. He will officially join the company on July 3rd and will be based at the company’s site in Erith, south-east London. Sharpe will assume his role later in the month.
“The entire sector is currently facing numerous challenges due to inflationary pressures. Nonetheless, Clive and I are confident in Oscar Mayer’s ability to capitalize on future opportunities and we look forward to working with the entire team to achieve remarkable success,” said Toal.
Prior to his role at Oscar Mayer, Toal served as the president of the food division at foodservice operator Alshaya for two-and-a-half years. He then led the logistics, restaurant, and food-manufacturing business of Al-Faisaliah Group until the end of 2021. From 2014 to 2016, Toal held the position of group managing director for 2 Sisters Food Group’s chilled foods division. He also served as the CEO of Ornua Foods (formerly known as Adams Foods) from 2011 to 2014.
Sharpe brings a wealth of experience to the company, having held CEO positions at Homepride Foods, Golden Wonder, and WT Foods (now owned by Pilgrim’s Pride). He has also served as chairman of Burton’s Biscuit Company, Quorn Foods, and First Milk. Currently, Sharpe serves as chairman of Novomins Nutrition, Clean Kitchen Club (a vegan quick service restaurant), and Adam Handling Restaurant Group.
German private-equity company Deutsche Beteiligungs (DBAG), Oscar Mayer’s former majority shareholder, remains an investor in the Portsmouth-headquartered business.
Oscar Mayer is a UK-based manufacturer of own-brand packaged ready-meals and a supplier to various UK supermarket chains. The company produces products under brands such as The Gym Kitchen and Bosh.