High street bakery retailer Greggs has today announced the appointment of ex-Punch Taverns CEO Roger Whiteside.
Taking up his role from February 4th 2013, Whiteside will succeed outgoing chief Ken McMeikan, who announced his intention to step down in December last year and will officially leave the company on March 8th.
McMeikan, who is set to join catering supplier Brakes Group under the same post, joined Greggs in 2008 and Derek Netherton, Chairman of Greggs, thanked him for his hard work during a turbulent period.
Netherton noted that the retailer had opened a record number of stores during McMeikan‘s tenure despite the economic climate as well as entering new channels through franchising and wholesaling.
Netherton added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken for his leadership since joining Greggs in 2008.
“He has considerably enhanced Greggs‘ commitment to putting the community at the heart of the business.
“Ken will leave us with our very best wishes for his continued success in the future.”
Whiteside has been a non-executive director of Greggs for nearly five years and has broad retail experience following senior roles at Marks and Spencer and Ocado.
As such, he has been involved in developing Greggs‘ forward-looking strategy during a period of considerable change and Netherton believes that his appointment will “enable a smooth transition” at a time of continued challenges.
Commenting on his new role, Whiteside said: “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.”
