Steve Murrells is to take up the reins at Ginsters owner Samworth Brothers following the retirement of current chief executive Simon Wookey.
Murrells has held a string of senior roles including group chief executive at The Co-operative Group and Hilton Foods, and chief executive at Tulip. He is currently a non-executive director at Warburtons and Noble Foods.
Murrells will join Samworth Brothers in January 2027 and will work with Wookey ahead of his retirement next June.
“Samworth Brothers is a business I have always admired, with a long history and track record of making great food that people love,” said Murrells. “I look forward to working with all the great people throughout the business and our customers across retail and hospitality.”
Wookey has been with Samworth Brothers for eight years, becoming CEO in June 2024. Prior to Samworth he held senior roles in businesses including 2 Sisters Food Group, Maple Leaf Foods and Greencore.
Samworth Brothers chairman Mark Samworth thanked Wookey for the contribution he has made at the business.
“Simon has played a leading role in our industry for nearly 40 years and has led a number of important food businesses to great effect,” he said. “He has exemplified the strong values and integrity that are vital to maintaining the trust of those who buy our food.”
Samworth added that he was delighted Murrells is joining the business as its next CEO.
“His experience across the food and retail sectors is second to none and the board and I look forward to working with him as he takes this great business through the next phase of its growth.”
Samworth Brothers employs more than 12,500 people across 15 bakeries in locations including Leicestershire, Cornwall, East Sussex, Manchester and Bristol, and has a turnover of £1.6bn. Its brands include Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Urban Eat, West Cornwall Pasty Co and Dickinson & Morris.
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