Tate & Lyle has appointed Nick Hampton as its new chief executive with effect from 1 April 2018.

Hampton joined the business as chief financial officer in September 2014 from PepsiCo and will succeed Javed Ahmed, who will step down from his role to retire.

During his 20-year career at PepsiCo, Hampton held senior finance and operational roles.

Ahmed said it was a great privilege to lead Tate & Lyle for the past eight years and that the company was in great hands with Hampton.

Hampton said he was looking forward to driving the business forward with chairman Gerry Murphy, the board and its employees.

“As global demand for healthier and tastier food continues to grow, this business has the opportunity to deliver meaningful benefits for our customers, employees, shareholders and society at large in the years ahead,” said Hampton.

The recruitment process for the chief financial officer position is under way.