The managing director of Univeg UK is to retire, to be replaced by a senior fresh produce figure.
Richard Wells, who has been in charge of the business formerly known as Malet Azoulay for 21 years, is to step down at the beginning of March.
David Prince will succeed Wells. He joins the business from the Produce World Group where, as divisional managing director, he was responsible for three companies with a combined turnover of £100 million.
Prince has also held senior positions at Samworth Brothers and Northern Foods in a fresh produce career spanning more than 25 years.
Wells established Malet Azoulay UK in 1989 subsequently developing it into one of the UK’s major suppliers of exotics and stonefruit with an annual turnover of more than £80 million.
The company was acquired by the Belgium-based Univeg in February 2008. The acquisition of Malet Azoulay marked Univeg’s intention to develop a market presence in the UK.
Having successfully integrated the UK business into the Univeg organisation, Wells has now decided to follow other interests.
He said: “Given the recent challenges in our market our decision to sell the business to Univeg has been a good one. Their global strength and vertically integrated production has opened new channels of activity for us and I am proud to leave the company in a strong financial position with an excellent team and good prospects for future growth.”
Francis Kint, ceo of Univeg’s fruit and vegetable division, said: “We shall miss Richard’s contribution to our management team and wish him well for the future. In David we have been able to secure an able replacement for Richard and I’m sure under his management the company will continue to grow in the UK market.”
