Andrew Booker is to replace Jez Maiden as Northern Foods’ group finance director next month. Booker joins Northern after a 19-year career with tobacco producer Gallaher Group, the company behind Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges, where his most recent role was European finance director.

He previously worked in Spain and Austria as well as the UK, across sales, general management and finance.

“Andrew stood out from a strong list of potential candidates and brings valuable commercial and financial skills,” said chairman Anthony Hobson.

Maiden announced his departure from Northern Foods in June after three years. He is to join National Express as finance director. The manufacturer has seen operating profit on frozen food halve to £11.4m over the past two years, but is on track to meet full-year profit expectations.