UK food and seafood processor Hilton Food Group has appointed Mark Clare as independent non-executive chairman from 1 July, while current executive chairman Mark Allen will return to the role of group chief executive.
Clare brings extensive listed-company experience, including board positions at Wickes, Drax, Grainger and Aggreko. He previously served as chief executive of Barratt Developments and held senior roles at Centrica.
The appointment comes as Hilton Food focuses on its core operations following a strategic review.
While best known for supplying packaged meat to retailers, Hilton Food is also a major seafood processor through businesses including Seachill and smoked salmon specialist Foppen, supplying retail customers across Europe, the UK and Asia-Pacific.
“Mark brings fantastic public company and commercial experience to our board,” Allen said.
Hilton Food said Clare’s experience would support the execution of its long-term growth strategy.