The current president of pork producer and processor Pilgrim’s UK, Ivan Siqueira, has been appointed as president of Pilgrim’s Europe.
Parent company US-based Pilgrim’s Pride said this was a ‘new strategic position within the Pilgrim’s family and will enable greater collaboration among the organisation’s businesses in Europe’. Mr Siqueira will take overall responsibility for Pilgrim’s UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim’s Food Masters and Pilgrim’s Shared Services Ltd.
He will continue in his existing role leading Pilgrim’s UK on an interim basis until a new leader is appointed, with the business prioritising delivering the highest quality and most innovative products for customers in the lead up to Christmas.
Mr Siqueira was appointed as president of Pilgrim’s UK in January 2022, succeeding Andrew Cracknell, and this is the latest move in a year that has already seen significant change within Pilgrim’s UK’s management structure.
Mark Haighton, pig supply chain director, and former UK agricultural director Barney Kay have both left, with Fábio Brancher replacing Mr Kay in the new role of operations director – agriculture, and Helen Webb, previously technical director – agriculture, taking up a new role of technical and customer director – agriculture.
Mr Siqueira said: “I’m honoured to take on this new strategic position which I believe will bring the business units closer together while allowing us to pursue organic growth and enhance our acquisition strategy to continue building the best food company in the region.“I will continue to focus on ensuring Pilgrim’s UK delivers excellence for our customers during this crucial period. I’m also looking forward to working with the wider Pilgrim’s family to build on our respective strengths and foundations and provide best-in-class service.”
Pilgrim’s recently announced an improved financial performance in 2022, albeit still an operating loss of £2.6 million in 2022, compared a £16m loss recorded in 2021. With Pilgrim’s UK and its former incarnation, Tulip, having struggled financially in recent years, the company said its 2022 performance indicated that its business recovery and growth plan was ‘progressing well’.