Brakes has announced the appointment of Ton Christiaanse as its new UK CEO, replacing Phil Wieland who will be leaving the business to pursue other interests early in 2017.
Christiaanse brings with him a wealth of food experience having held leadership roles in a number of organisations, including Unilever, Farm Frites and Vion, and most recently as Chairman of AK Stoddart, the leading Scottish beef processor. As one of the UK's food experts Ton will also remain a strategic advisor to the Acoura board, UK's largest independent provider of risk solutions to the food and drink industry.
Christiaanse, who will report to Group CEO Ken McMeikan, will assume responsibility from Wieland on 1 January 2017, after spending time being introduced to the specifics of the business and operations in the wider group.
It has also been confirmed that Duncan Gibson, Managing Director Corporate, Public and Logistics, will leave Brakes early in 2017, after six years with the business. Gibson's team will report directly to Christiaanse.
Brakes Group CEO, Ken McMeikan, said, 'We are delighted that Ton is joining Brakes - he has an excellent background in and understanding of the food industry and his energy and vision will help lead the next stage of our UK business' development. Following the recent completion of the Brakes acquisition by Sysco, this is an incredibly exciting time for the business and Ton will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we capitalise on the opportunities that this has created.
'I would also like to thank Phil and Duncan for their extensive contributions to the business over the past few years. Both have helped to deliver a significant investment and development plan which has firmly re-established Brakes as the UK's number one delivered wholesaler.'
Ton Christiaanse said, 'This is a great opportunity to join one of the UK's most important food companies at an exciting time in its development. I have been very impressed with the board's vision for the future and I am looking forward to working with the talented management team to ensure that we further develop our market-leading position.'
