James Hill, chief executive officer of the Findus Group, has assumed the helm of Grimsby, UK-based Young’s Seafood following the resignation of CEO Leendert den Hollander. Findus, which is ranked as one of Europe’s largest frozen food producers and marketers, is the parent company of Young’s.
Hollander, who had served as chief executive of Young’s since February of 2011, reportedly stepped down to accept a senior leadership role with another firm outside the seafood industry. While heading up Young’s and the Findus UK organizations he played instrumental roles in the acquisition of Cumbrian Seafoods and management of the publicity crisis that erupted last year following the discovery of horsemeat in Findus beef lasagna products.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Young’s and I know that the company will continue to build on its strong foundations to deliver future growth in close partnership with its customers,” said Hollander in a prepared statement.
Meanwhile, Young’s chilled division will continue to be under the direction of Pete Ward, while Wayne Hudson heads up the frozen operations. Hudson, who came on board as managing director of the frozen division on January 6, was previously in charge of Kerry Foods’ £1 billion branded and private label businesses.
Founded in 1805 and employing over 3,000 people today, Young’s Seafood ranks as Britain’s leading fish and seafood processor. Utilizing more than 30 species sourced from five continents, it provides value-added frozen and chilled, branded and private label fishery products to retail customers. More than 2,000 items – ranging from salmon dishes and breaded scampi to fish pies, battered fish and fillets – are packed by the company, which is said to supply as much as 40% of all the fish and seafood consumed in the UK.
