David Wagstaff

Source: St Pierre Groupe

David Wagstaff has led St Pierre Groupe’s US operation for two years

David Wagstaff has been named managing director of St Pierre Groupe following the acquisition of the business by Grupo Bimbo.

He has been appointed to head the existing management team of the brioche specialist after Mexico-based Grupo Bimbo bought St Pierre Groupe, which produces the St Pierre, Baker Street and Paul Hollywood brands.

Wagstaff, who has led St Pierre Groupe’s US operation for more than two years, takes the reins of the wider business with immediate effect.

He is described as having more than thirty years’ experience in food and drink, holding commercial and management positions with brands in the US, Asia and the UK.

The St Pierre Groupe leadership team now comprises Wagstaff, CFO Paolo Benedetto, CMO Jen Danby, supply chain director Brett Rhodes, quality and compliance director Muriel Vanoli and procurement director Yann Neveu.

St Pierre’s origins date back to 1986 and the launch of own-label baked goods supplier Carrs Foods, which supplied supermarket chains including Tesco. In 2004 Jeremy Gilboy and Paul Baker completed a management buyout of Carrs, and around ten years ago the business launched an export push targeting the US.

It has grown rapidly since then, supplying a range of products including brioche, morning goods and bread overseas and to the ‘big four’ UK retailers.

Wagstaff said St Pierre Groupe had found success by using insight to develop brands and products with global appeal.

“All that is down to the fact that we have a stellar team based in the UK and US who work hard to create authentic experiences and drive brand awareness for our brands,” he added.

“Demonstrating an understanding of the global consumer mindset and delivering products that cater to it, is at the heart of everything we do. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our brands and talented team of people, providing access to the right infrastructure and expertise to propel our brands on to even greater success.”