After more than two years as chief executive, Simon Wookey will leave the position to pursue “a number of other projects”.
Steve Murrells CBE will succeed him in January 2027. The incoming and outgoing CEOs will work together until Wookey’s scheduled retirement in June 2027, supporting “a smooth transition”.
Murrells brings extensive experience across the food and beverage industry. He served as chief executive of Hilton Foods between 2022 and 2025. Previously, he led retail at the Co-op from 2012 to 2017 before taking on the group CEO role, which he held until 2022.
Mark Samworth, chairman of Samworth Brothers, said: “I want to thank Simon for the significant contribution he has made in his eight years at Samworth Brothers, particularly in the last three as CEO.
“Simon has played a leading role in our industry for nearly 40 years and has led a number of important food businesses to great effect. He has exemplified the strong values and integrity that are vital to maintaining the trust of those who buy our food.
The leadership change comes as manufacturers and suppliers continue to respond to food and beverage industry trends, including evolving food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology and changing food and drink consumer trends.
He added: “We are delighted that Steve is joining us as CEO. His experience across the food and retail sectors is second to none and the Board and I look forward to working with him as he takes this great business through the next phase of its growth.”
The handover will conclude a notable career for Wookey. He became CEO in July 2024 after joining Samworth Brothers in 2019 as an executive board director and chief commercial officer.
Before moving to Samworth Brothers, Wookey spent two decades with Greencore, where he ultimately became a divisional managing director. He later held senior roles in the fresh and chilled food divisions of Maple Leaf Foods and 2 Sisters Food Group.
Headquartered in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Samworth Brothers owns several of the UK’s most recognised food brands, including Ginsters, Soreen and West Cornwall Pasty Co. Its future strategy will operate against a backdrop shaped by food and drink sustainability priorities, changing food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging developments, food and drink marketing strategies and wider food distribution trends.
Murrells said: “Samworth Brothers is a business I have always admired, with a long history and track record of making great food that people love.
“I am excited to be joining as chief executive officer and look forward to working with all the great people throughout the business and our customers across retail and hospitality.”
