Finnebrogue Artisan has named Roger Burnley, the former Asda CEO, as its new non-executive chairman.
The Northern Ireland-based owner of the Better Naked brand said the appointment of “UK grocery veteran” Burnley “marked the beginning of a new chapter” for the producer, following the death of its founder Denis Lynn in the spring of 2021,
Burnley will take up his position on 1 November. He left Asda in August 2021 following the completion of a transition period under the supermarket’s new owners the Issa brothers and TDR Capital.
“Roger shares our passion for making food the best it can be, without being bound by the way it has always been done,” said Christine Lynn, Finnebrogue majority shareholder.
“He brings with him the immense experience of over 30 years in British retailing, including four years leading one of the UK’s biggest supermarkets during the most challenging period for grocery in recent memory.”
After 10 years as an executive director at Sainsbury’s, Burnley joined Asda as chief operating officer and deputy CEO in 2016, before becoming CEO a year later.
He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to the food supply chain.
“Finnebrogue’s outstanding growth, constant innovation and reputation for unrivalled product quality is famous within the UK food community, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team to deliver long-term and sustainable growth,” said Burnley.
Finnebrogue MD Andrew Nethercott added: “We are thrilled that Roger is coming on board. His experience and expertise will be of huge value as we continue on our growth trajectory and look to seize the many opportunities that lie before us.”
Reflecting on Burnley’s appointment, Lynn also thanked the Finnebrogue staff and board members “who have steered us through this period of transition, in particular to our late friend David Manning and, more recently, Colin Walsh, for stepping into the chairman’s seat in an interim capacity”.
“Finnebrogue is not just a family of sausage makers, bacon producers or plant-based manufacturers,” she added. ”We are a group of foodies on a mission to do things better for people and planet - and an organisation for which commercial success and delivering positive change in our society are equal priorities. I know these are values that Roger shares and I look forward to seeing he and the team build upon the brilliant foundations my husband Denis has left us.”
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