Lucy Hovey will take over as chief financial officer for Kraft Heinz in the UK and Ireland, replacing Darren De Vires, who is leaving the company after eight years.
Hovey joins with more than 20 years of financial leadership experience in the consumer goods sector. Her career includes 13 years with Unilever, where she held senior positions across both regional and global operations.
Before moving to Kraft Heinz, Hovey was CFO of Unilever UK & Ireland’s Personal Care division. She also served as the European finance lead for the company’s Deodorants and Skin Cleansing categories.
Earlier in her career, Hovey worked with major brands including Dove, Lynx and REN Clean Skincare. In her role with REN, she led a substantial turnaround programme that returned the business to growth and improved profitability.
Her departure comes during a period of significant leadership change at Unilever, the company behind Marmite. The business has experienced several senior departures and appointments, including the unexpected exit of former CEO Hein Schumacher in 2025.
At Kraft Heinz, Hovey will be responsible for the finance organisation across the UK and Ireland. Her remit will include developing financial strategy, shaping long-term business plans and working with the leadership team to support profitable and sustainable growth.
Her appointment comes as businesses across the food and beverage industry respond to changing food and drink consumer trends, evolving food manufacturing trends and continued investment in food processing technology. Financial leadership will also play an important role as companies address food and drink regulations, food and drink sustainability goals, food and drink packaging requirements, food and drink marketing priorities and wider food distribution trends.
Marta Pilczuk, managing director of Kraft Heinz UK & Ireland, said: “Lucy is a highly accomplished finance leader with a strong track record of partnering closely with commercial teams to deliver profitable, sustainable growth.
“Her breadth of experience across category and business-unit leadership, combined with her collaborative, people-first approach, will be invaluable as we continue to build momentum in the UK & Ireland. I’m delighted to welcome Lucy to Kraft Heinz, and I’d like to thank Darren for his leadership and contribution to the business as we begin this transition.”
Writing on LinkedIn about her appointment, Hovey said: “I’m joining a business with iconic brands, real momentum and a team that’s ambitious, energetic and clearly focussed on what’s next. That combination is hard to find, and exactly why this felt like the right move.
“Especially as food has always been a big part of my life. I love cooking with the family, and Kraft Heinz brands are already staples in our kitchen (my children are convinced beans and ketchup improve almost every meal, and frankly, it’s hard to argue).
“Looking forward to collaborating with new colleagues, getting stuck in and pushing the UK&I business forward. Here’s to the next chapter – excited to build on the momentum together!”