Greencore has named Peter Haden as chief operating officer following the disposal of its US operation.

The company, which today (21 May) announced its half-year results, is appointing him to the executive board with immediate effect. Haden, who joined Greencore in 2015 as chief development officer, will be responsible for running the day-to day-business in his new role.

The move comes less than a year after Haden was named chief executive officer of Greencore’s UK division because group CEO Patrick Coveney was to split his time between the UK and the US. But just three months later, Greencore announced it was selling the US operation and would focus on the UK market.

Greencore said Haden’s move to the COO and board roles reflected the group’s single, integrated leadership structure and his “sustained contribution to the operational and strategic agenda of the group”.

"Peter has made an outstanding contribution to Greencore in a number of senior roles since joining us in 2015, and his promotion to the Board is well deserved,” said Greencore chairman Gary Kennedy.

“His strategic mind-set and operational expertise will be invaluable as Greencore looks to drive performance and pursue the range of compelling growth opportunities that we see in the UK convenience food market."

Before joining Greencore, Haden was a brand manager with Procter & Gamble before becoming a partner at McKinsey & Co.