Potato supplier Branston Ltd has announced a new non-executive appointment. Brian Stein, former chief executive of chilled food company Samworth Brothers, has joined the board of Branston Ltd as a non-executive director.
Stein retired from Samworth Brothers at the end of March after 17 years with the company. The largest family-owned food manufacturing business in the UK, Samworth Brothers is known for its Ginsters brand and Melton Mowbray certified pork pies as well as supermarket own-label convenience foods.
Branston’s chairman Guy McCracken said: “We are delighted that Brian is joining the board of Branston. Brian has an outstanding reputation in the food industry and his knowledge and experience will be of huge benefit to Branston in the future.”
Stein joined Samworth as group managing director from Northern Foods in 1995, when Samworth Brothers had sales of £90 million. He became chief executive in 2002, and after 10 years in the role, sales had grown to £850m.
Branston launched its prepared foods division in 2005 and has since become category leader for Tesco in prepared potatoes. Stein said: “I am delighted to join such a progressive business and I hope that I can add value to their growth strategy.”
Graeme Beattie, Branston’s managing director, added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Brian. He has huge experience relevant to our business and customers. We see great potential for growth, particularly in the prepared foods sector and Brian’s input will be invaluable in the months ahead.”
