Bakery ingredients supplier BFP Wholesale has appointed a new chief executive, it was revealed today.

The company, which last year was sold by owner Lesaffre to Zimt Partners for an undisclosed sum has appointed Bill Thurston, current vice-president of the Alshaya Group.

Thurston is a direct replacement for former chief executive Nick Harris who has left the business.

Prior to working for the Alshaya Group, Thurston was chief executive of Langmead Farms, a salad and vegetable producing company, and managing director of Vion Food Group’s International Division for Fresh Meat, with responsibility for the UK, Middle East, India and the Far East.  In the bakery ingredients sector he has held senior positions at international manufacturing and distributing firms Dawn Foods and CSM Bakery Supplies.

The new appointment follows BFP’s acquisition by David Burresi and Sebastian Sipp, co-founders of Zimt Partners, in July 2014, with the goal of growing the company, improving customer service and competitiveness. 

Since the acquisition, BFP said it had successfully decoupled from Lesaffre, its former conglomerate owner, made several investments into its warehousing and distribution systems and strengthened its senior management team.

Track record

David Burresi said: “Bill is an exceptional leader, with an extensive track record, and we are delighted to welcome him to BFP. His experience will be invaluable to the successful implementation of our investment plan that sees the introduction of new people, processes and technology.”

Thurston added: “It is an exciting time to be joining BFP under the ownership of Zimt. We have significant plans for the growth of the business and to further build on the relationships with both new and existing customers.”