William Jackson Food Group (WJFG) has named Paul Murphy as its new CEO after James Watson stood down from the role in May last year.
Murphy will take up the role on 28 April following 22 years at Kingsmill owner Associated British Foods, during which time he held a variety of senior roles, most recently as managing director of international markets for tea brand Twinings.
Murphy brings with him a wealth of commercial, strategic, and leadership expertise, according to WJFG. His previous roles span direct-to-consumer, business-to-business and retail, all of which are channels covered by businesses within the William Jackson portfolio. He’s worked with a raft of household brands including Dorset Cereals, Jordans, Ryvita, Bacardi, and Speedibake.
Murphy said the strong family values and the diversity of the businesses within the WJFG portfolio drew him to the role.
“The businesses within William Jackson Food Group are unique, diverse and will each bring their own opportunities and challenges,” Murphy said. “But they all have one thing in common: a passion for making great quality food, something which is a real personal interest of mine and has been a theme throughout my career.”
The WJFG portfolio includes bakery manufacturer Jacksons and sweet treat firm Lottie Shaw’s which was acquired by the business a year ago. Sustainable grocery specialist Abel & Cole, premium ingredients brand Belazu, miso paste brand Miso Tasty, and ingredients supplier Wellocks round off the line-up.
Sonya Eastaugh, chairwoman at WJFG and sixth-generation member of the Jackson family, added that there was a “clear alignment between Paul’s expertise and the requirements” of the business.
“What makes Paul’s appointment even more special is the personal significance of his return to a company with strong roots in Hull,” she added. “Beginning his career at Reckitt Benckiser in Hull, Paul has expressed his excitement at reconnecting with the area where his professional journey began and contributing to its legacy through our family business.”
Full-year results for the business for the year ended 27 April 2024 saw an increase in turnover for the group’s continuing operations, landing at £334.3m. Operational efficiencies, increased distribution, and new products drove growth at Jacksons of Yorkshire, with a tiger bloomer branded with beloved children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea among the highlights.
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