Pilgrim’s Europe has appointed Rob Harmsworth as commercial director, with the appointment taking effect in November 2026.
Harmsworth moves to the business from Aldi, where he spent more than 12 years holding senior positions across commercial operations, strategy and transformation. In his latest role as director of GBIE strategy and coordination, he oversaw strategic and category programmes across the discounter, supporting expansion while strengthening customer value.
During his time at Aldi, Harmsworth guided the commercial function through major market disruptions, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also served as international project director, managing large-scale buying transformation and value-chain optimisation initiatives across the Aldi South Group.
In his new position, Harmsworth will focus on developing customer relationships, delivering commercial expansion and reinforcing Pilgrim’s Europe’s role as a key food supplier to UK retailers. His remit will also take place against a changing business landscape shaped by food and beverage industry trends, food manufacturing trends, food processing technology and food distribution trends.
The appointment comes as food and drink industry innovation continues to influence commercial strategy, alongside growing attention to food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and evolving food and drink consumer trends.
Matt Lee, chief business and growth officer at Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “Rob brings an outstanding combination of commercial leadership, customer insight and strategic transformation experience from one of Europe’s most successful retailers.
“His deep understanding of how to create value for customers, combined with his track record of delivering growth and leading complex change, will be a significant asset as we continue to strengthen our market position and accelerate our growth ambitions.”