Ronald Kers, who has been CEO of UK poultry major 2 Sisters Food Group for the last five years, is leaving to take up the same position at Ireland-based Valeo Foods.
Kers will succeed Seamus Kearney as group CEO at Valeo following Kearney’s decision to step back from a day-to-day leadership role within the business.
Valeo, owned by investment group Bain Capital, owns brands including Rowse honey, Kettle crisps, Jacob’s biscuits, Matthew Walker puddings and Batchelors peas and beans.
Kers, who worked at German dairy heavyweight Muller Group before joining 2 Sisters, will take up his new role in the summer.
Nigel Walder of Bain Capital said: “In his time at both groups Ronald has developed a uniquely broad set of capabilities that span category, geography, and a deep operational skill-set, which position him incredibly well to drive the next stage of Valeo Foods’ evolution.”
Kers said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Valeo Foods, and look forward to partnering with the team to help realise the ambition of building a scale and growing platform of multi-national food brands.”
Kearney has been CEO of Valeo Foods for more than 11 years during which time he spearheaded a period of expansion which included 18 acquisitions. Last year, it made its first acquisition in North America via a deal to buy Canadian maple syrup maker Les Industries Bernard & Fils.
He will stay with the firm as a member of its board.
Just Food has asked 2 Sisters for its reaction to Kers’ decision to leave.
Last month, the company announced plans to close a poultry processing facility in Wales.
