Former Friesland Campina chief operating officer Gregory Sklikas has been appointed CEO of Aryzta’s European business.

He is succeeding Dermot Murphy, who has decided to step down from his position at the global bakery business.

Sklikas is joining Aryzta at the end of next month, with Murphy providing mentoring and support until he leaves the business at the end of August.

“Dermot has provided great leadership and support during a period of significant change and transition for the group,” said Kevin Toland, who last year replaced Owen Killian as CEO of Aryzta.

Killian, chief financial officer Patrick McEniff, and Americas CEO John Yamin all resigned their roles following a period of trading described as “unexpected and extremely disappointing” by Killian.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dermot for his invaluable contribution to Aryzta throughout his 20 years’ service, and to wish him well in his future endeavours.

Described by Aryzta as a ‘seasoned international business leader’, Sklikas has spent his whole career in food, with 14 years with Unilever and 11 years with Friesland Campina.

Most recently, he was based in The Netherlands as EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) chief operating officer for Friesland Campina, overseeing 35 countries and 21 factories in the region.

“I want to welcome Gregory who brings a wealth of experience and achievement across the food sector in Europe,” added Toland.

Murphy said he wished Toland and Aryzta success for the future: “In my 20 years in Aryzta, I have had wonderful experiences and have fully enjoyed my time working with the teams both in Europe and across the globe.”

Aryzta last month reported that earnings had fallen by almost a third, with its European business hit by soaring butter costs and some of its customers switching their sourcing. Announcing it was focusing on its core frozen bakery business, the company also said it had agreed the sale of Signature Flatbreads to the Eid family.