Meat industry veteran Andrew Cracknell has left pork giant Pilgrim’s UK after just over three years at the helm of the business.
Ex-ABP executive Cracknell joined Pilgrim’s forerunner Tulip as its CEO in October 2018 from 2 Sisters Food Group – where he ran its red meat division. He left Pilgrim’s last week and has been replaced by Ivan Siqueira, who has already started work as the company’s new president.
Brazilian Siqueira brings more than 29 years’ experience in the pork and poultry industries, most recently as executive director at Brazilian processor Seara Foods, which – like Pilgrim’s UK owner Pilgrim’s Pride – is ultimately owned by Brazilian protein giant JBS.
Siqueira was described as a “continuity appointment” by a Pilgrim’s UK spokesman, and someone who would look to “build on the work done by Andrew Cracknell” in leading the business.
Under Siqueira’s leadership, Seara “experienced a significant growth rate in sales over the past three years and solidified itself as a market leader in sustainability, animal welfare, innovation and quality products”, said Pilgrim’s UK in a statement.
Cracknell presided over a return to the black for the business after a loss-laden recent few years for Tulip, which was sold by previous owner Danish Crown to Pilgrim’s Pride in a £290m deal in August 2019.
The business reported an operating profit of £10.3m in the 15 months ended 31 December 2020, compared with losses of £17m in 2019, £38m in 2018, £36m in 2017 and £22m in 2016. Pilgrim’s UK also acquired lamb processor Randall Parker Foods in November in its latest move to grow its footprint in the UK. Meanwhile, the wider Pilgrim’s Pride group snapped up Kerry’s consumer meats business last June.
Cracknell was thanked by Pilgrim’s Pride president and global CEO Fabio Sandri for his “years of outstanding service”.
Sandri added that Siqueira had “demonstrated the ability to accelerate business growth and drive profitability through the creation of innovative brands well-recognised for superior quality and taste”.
The business was “confident 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”, Sandri claimed.
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 recognised leader in sustainable farming practices, I look forward to helping Pilgrim’s UK realise our vision to be the best and most respected company in our industry.”
No comments yet