Premier Foods appoints Kraft veteran

30th Jun 2010 13:19

Premier Foods has appointed former Kraft veteran Ronnie Bell to become its new chairman from October.Bell, who spent 30-years at the US group, replaces David Kappler, who has been chairman since 2004. Bell takes over after a torrid year for the Hovis bread maker that culminated in £400m rescue rights issue.Bell is currently a non-executive at Northern Foods, but will step down to take up the Premier role.Charles Miller Smith, the former ICI chairman will also take over as deputy chairman from October."Ronnie has had a long and successful career in the food industry and brings with him a wealth of experience. I look forward to working with him as we focus on delivering organic growth and reducing debt," Robert Schofield, chief executive of Premier, said.