Former Morrison exec joins Boparan's empire

A former Morrison executive is joining the business empire of Ranjit Singh Boparan, the entrepreneur informally known as "the chicken king".

According to recent reports, Trevor Strain, who left Morrisons last year, has become portfolio director at Boparan's private office. Strain will oversee assets including the poultry supplier Bernard Matthews and restaurant chains Carluccio's and Giraffe, Sky News reported.

Strain will not be focused on the day-to-day running of the businesses, but on growth opportunities for the portfolio of companies. His role is expected to be separate to 2 Sisters Food Group, Boparan's poultry empire, which supplies the major UK grocery chains.

Among the other brands owned by Boparan's private office are Elkes Biscuits and the casual dining operations Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Slim Chicken, Ed's Easy Diner, Fishworks and the London-based Cinnamon Collection.

Strain is the latest supermarket executive to work with Boparan, following Justin King, the former J Sainsbury boss, and Laurie McIlwee, the former Tesco executive.

Boparan said, "I am delighted that Trevor has joined the Boparan Private Office. This is a full-time appointment and as part of BPO senior executive team he will be focused on growth opportunities for our portfolio of businesses."