Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation has announced the appointment of Ivan Siqueira as president of Pilgrim’s UK, succeeding Andrew Cracknell, who led the business for more than three years.
Mr Cracknell was appointed as CEO of Tulip in October 2018, after a long career in the meat industry with ABP and Noble foods, to manage the ‘on-going transformation’ of the struggling company.
Mr Siqueira brings more than 29 years of experience in the pork and poultry industries, most recently as executive director at Seara Foods, a leading Brazilian food company with an integrated pork and poultry business. Under his leadership, Seara experienced a significant growth rate in sales over the last three years and solidified itself as a market leader in sustainability, animal welfare, innovation and quality products.
Fabio Sandri, president and global CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride, said: “Pilgrim’s is excited to welcome Ivan to the Pilgrim’s UK team as we build on our rich heritage of sustainable farming and uncompromising higher welfare standards.
“Ivan has demonstrated the ability to accelerate business growth and drive profitability through the creation of innovative brands well-recognised for superior quality and taste. We are confident that Ivan’s commitment to excellence and vast experience across operations, farming and commercial activities will help our European business platform and our customers thrive for years to come.
“We thank Andrew for his years of outstanding service and wish him the best in his next endeavour.”
Mr Siqueira said: “I am humbled to have the opportunity to help lead this talented team as we work together to continue the proud legacy of delivering sustainably produced, quality pork products to consumers across the UK.
“As the world’s largest producer of higher welfare pork and a recognized leader in sustainable farming practices, I look forward to helping Pilgrim’s UK realize our vision to be the best and most respected company in our industry.”
The appointment marks the second significant change at the UK’s biggest integrated pork processor in a few months.
In early November, Andrew Saunders, left his role as agriculture director at Pilgrim’s UK, ending a 42-year career in the pig industry. He has been replaced by Barney Kay, a former NPA general manager and head of agriculture for both Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Pilgrim’s UK employs more than 5,500 people across 14 sites, and describes itself a a leading producer of higher welfare pork globally, supporting more than 1,000 British farmers develop and implement the highest standards of animal welfare and sustainability.