New CEO for Brakes UK
Wholesaler Brakes has appointed Ton Christiaanse as its new UK CEO, replacing Phil Wieland who will leave the business to pursue other interests early in 2017.
Christiaanse has held leadership roles in a number of other organisations previously, including Unilever, Farm Frites and Vion, and most recently as chairman of AK Stoddart, a Scottish beef processor. He will also remain a strategic advisor to the Acoura board, an independent provider of risk solutions to the food and drink industry.
Christiaanse will report to group CEO Ken McMeikan and will assume responsibility from Wieland on 1 January 2017.
Additionally it has been confirmed that Duncan Gibson, managing director corporate, public and logistics, will leave Brakes early in 2017, after six years with the business. Following his departure, his team will report directly to Christiaanse.
Brakes group CEO Ken McMeikan said: "We are delighted that Ton is joining Brakes - he has an excellent background in and understanding of the food industry and his energy and vision will help lead the next stage of our UK business development. Following the recent completion of the Brakes acquisition by Sysco, this is an incredibly exciting time for the business and Ton will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we capitalise on the opportunities that this has created.
"I would also like to thank Phil and Duncan for their extensive contributions to the business over the past few years. Both have helped to deliver a significant investment and development plan which has firmly re-established Brakes as the UK's number one delivered wholesaler."
Christiaanse added: "This is a great opportunity to join one of the UK's most important food companies at an exciting time in its development. I have been very impressed with the board's vision for the future and I am looking forward to working with the talented management team to ensure that we further develop our market-leading position."
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