Ruth Simpson is set to assume the role of Managing Director at the Greater Manchester-based chilled pizza producer this September. With over 25 years of extensive experience in the food industry, she previously served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the Princes Group.
In her role at Princes, Simpson excelled in overseeing commercial management for European business units. She led transformational projects and successfully managed integrations following ownership changes. Her areas of expertise include strategy implementation, operational excellence, customer focus, and sustainability.
“Stateside Foods is an impressive company with a clear vision and great development. It is an honour, and I am very much looking forward to working with the management team to continue to shape the future so successfully,” commented Simpson.
Simpson’s appointment aligns with a long-term succession plan, succeeding Jon Lucas, who is retiring after over three decades at Stateside Foods. Lucas played a crucial role in evolving the company from a specialized supplier to one of the UK’s foremost manufacturers of chilled pizza products.
Under his leadership, the company established new production sites, advanced technological innovations, and cultivated strong trading relationships.
“It has been an honour to accompany this development—especially thanks to the great team on site. I am proud of what we have achieved together and am convinced that Stateside Foods will continue to grow under the new leadership,” he stated.
Dr. Thorid Klantschitsch, CEO of the parent company Freiberger Group, noted, “Jon Lucas has played a key role in shaping Stateside Foods extremely successfully over many years—we would like to thank him for this! We look forward to working with Ruth Simpson, who, as an experienced manager, will continue the successful course we have taken and at the same time provide new impulses for the further development of the company.”
Founded in Berlin in 1976, Freiberger Lebensmittel GmbH produces frozen and chilled pizzas for private labels and is a vital part of the Freiberger Group, the global leader in this market segment. Its portfolio encompasses pizza, frozen snacks, and ready meals.
The Freiberger Group comprises companies located at 11 sites across Europe and the USA, employing over 3,800 individuals. Since 1998, the Group has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Südzucker AG.