Hovis CEO Jon Jenkins to go away UK baker

Hovis CEO Jon Jenkins is stepping down after three years within the lead function on the UK bakery enterprise.

Jenkins departure follows the August affirmation that Related British Meals (ABF), the Kingsmill and Sunblest bakery model proprietor by its Allied Bakeries unit, was shopping for Hovis from private-equity agency Infinite.

In response to a short assertion from Hovis, Jenkins will relinquish the CEO job in “mid-September”.

Aidan Robson, a managing associate at Infinite, stated: “I wish to thank Jon for his help and management over the past three years.

“Jon has helped navigate Hovis by an unprecedented interval of uncooked materials inflation and additional developed the much-loved Hovis vary of merchandise and model. Jon leaves with our thanks and greatest needs.”

Hovis confirmed to Simply Meals that “the manager board will proceed to ship the strategic path of Hovis”, because it appears to be like to offer “retailers and shoppers with nice service and high-quality merchandise they’re used to”.

The outgoing CEO joined Hovis in 2022, coming from a senior government function at ABF.

“I’ve completely loved my time at Hovis and wish to thank all our unbelievable colleagues throughout our bakeries, milling operation and distribution centres for his or her dedication and help over the past three years,” Jenkins stated within the assertion.

“I’m actually happy with what we have now achieved, and I sit up for seeing the enterprise proceed to prosper sooner or later.”

ABF CEO George Weston stated final month when the Hovis deal was introduced that the mixture with Allied Bakeries would “create a UK bakeries enterprise that’s each worthwhile and sustainable over the long run”.

He added on the time: “Supporting the Hovis and Kingsmill manufacturers with well-invested and environment friendly operations may even allow innovation and development.

“This resolution will create worth for shareholders, present better alternative for shoppers and improve efficiencies for purchasers.”

Infinite acquired Hovis in 2020. Monetary phrases of the transaction with ABF weren’t disclosed. The deal is topic to approval by the UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA).

ABF doesn’t break down the monetary efficiency of Allied Bakeries, however total group outcomes for the 24 weeks to 1 March confirmed a 2% decline in gross sales to £9.51bn ($12.94bn), whereas adjusted working revenue dropped 12% to £835m. Revenue earlier than tax fell 21% to £692m.

Confirming the deal final month, Robson stated: “The transaction with ABF represents a chance to create a platform for long-term sustainability within the bakery sector for the advantage of retailers and shoppers.