Greggs names Roger Whiteside as new CEO
Greggs has appointed Punch Taverns boss Roger Whiteside as its new chief executive.
Whiteside will join Greggs on 4 February, replacing current chief executive Ken McMeikan who is leaving the company in March to join food service supplier Brakes Group.
Currently chief executive of leased pub company Punch Taverns, Whiteside has been a non-executive director of Greggs since March 2008.
Whiteside’s retail credentials include 20 years at Marks & Spencer where he became head of the retailer’s food business. He was then one of the founding team of online grocer Ocado, serving as joint managing director from 2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 2007, he was chief executive of the Thresher Group off-licence chain, before joining Punch Taverns.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Commenting on the appointment, Greggs chairman Derek Netherton said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Roger as chief executive. Not only has he got considerable management experience in retailing and food but also, as a non-executive director of Greggs during a period of significant change, he has been involved in developing the strategy. He is very well respected within the company and his appointment will enable a smooth transition in what is still a challenging consumer environment.”
Whiteside added: “I joined the Greggs board in 2008 and I have been impressed with the team, which I have got to know well. I look forward to working with them to further develop our strategy. Greggs is a great business with an iconic brand that has strengthened considerably over the past few years. I believe we have a great future.”
