Premier Foods appoints FMCG veteran at top position

British food maker Premier Foods has announced the appointment of Tania Howarth as an independent non-executive director, commencing 1 March.

She will join the manufacturer’s Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees, reports said on Wednesday (26).

Howarth has extensive executive experience across global FMCG businesses. Until 2017 she was Chief Operating Officer of Nomad Foods, the frozen foods business that owns the Birds Eye, Findus and Iglo brands. Prior to that, she was CIO for Coca-Cola’s European and African businesses and spent nine years at Walkers Snack Foods, latterly as CIO.

Howarth is currently a non-executive Chair of Ozo Innovations Ltd, a hygiene solutions company, an advisor to the private equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management and a member of the Technology Advisory Board at NatWest.

“She brings with her considerable senior executive experience in the branded food industry with particular expertise in technology. Her appointment strengthens the breadth of the Board’s experience as we continue to pursue our branded growth strategy and path to further value creation,” commented Colin Day, Chairman at Premier Foods.

The news comes a week after Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Cadbury cakes, said that the group’s annual profits are set to surpass market expectations after households splurged on its cakes, sauces and other sweet treats over the Christmas period.