Current Greencore group chief operating officer Peter Haden is to become the company’s UK chief executive officer.

Haden, who joined Greencore in 2014, will take up the newly created role on 1 October.

The move follows the announcement in March this year that Greencore group chief executive Patrick Coveney would be splitting his time between the UK and the US following a restructure of its US operations and leadership.

Greencore had greatly increased its presence in the US with the acquisition of Peacock Foods in 2016.

As group chief operating officer, Haden has been working with the executive leadership team and board to develop Greencore’s group strategy and improve UK operations.   

Before joining Greencore he was a partner with McKinsey & Co, where he led the UK consumer practice. Much of his career has been spent in emerging markets, including a year in Russia and four years building a consumer business in India.

Before working for McKinsey, he was a brand manager with Procter & Gamble.

Haden graduated from Oxford University with a Master of Physics and Philosophy.

Greencore today (31 July) announced that food-to-go sales have bolstered UK and Ireland business, with 1.4% reported revenue growth in the company’s third quarter.