Premier Foods brings Pizza Express CEO Richard Hodgson on board as non-exec director
FMCG company Premier Foods has appointed Richard Hodgson, chief executive (CEO) at Pizza Express, to its board in the role of non-executive director with immediate effect.
Hodgson, who has served as CEO at the food chain since 2013, has previously held senior roles with Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons.
Commenting on Richard's appointment, David Beever, chairman of Premier Foods, said: "I'm thrilled that Richard will be joining the Premier Foods board. His extensive experience of modern food retailing will be invaluable in helping the company to navigate today's rapidly changing marketplace. We very much look forward to his contribution and welcome him to the board."
Hodgson added that he is "excited" at the prospect of helping Premier Foods continue its turnaround.
At the end of last year the company faced criticism when it was revealed the maker of Mr Kipling and Ambrosia had been asking its suppliers, including agencies to make annual cash payments or risk losing their contracts. Premier Foods was forced to make a u-turn on the practice and promised a shift towards a more conventional scheme.
Paul Bainsfair, director general of the IPA, told The Drum that the body "deplores" such behaviour calling it "exploitative and counterproductive".