Industry veteran Ian Toal has left poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group to run Gulf-based retail franchise operator Alshaya.
Toal joined Ranjit Singh Boparan’s 2 Sisters in December 2014 as MD of its added-value poultry, chilled and ready meals businesses, and was CEO of Pilgrims Choice owner Adams Foods from July 2011 to October 2014.
He started his new role as global president (food) at Alshaya this week, and has relocated his family to Kuwait. He told The Grocer the business was “an incredible organisation with amazing opportunities”, and has described himself as a “change manager” who thrived on challenges.
A 2 Sisters spokesman said Toal would be replaced on an interim basis by Simon Wookey, its current meal solutions divisional MD, though no decision had been taken on a long-term replacement.
Toal has also held senior roles with Brakes and Delice de France and is a non-executive director of housing association group Futures Housing. At Alshaya, he will be tasked with running the business’ global food operation - which includes restaurant franchises such as Starbucks and Pizza Express, plus food manufacturing and supermarket businesses across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“It was a very difficult decision to move as I was very happy in my role at 2 Sisters, but the opportunity to take on a multi brand and multi-country role in retail for Alshaya was just too good to pass by,” Toal said.
“I can honestly say I had some of my best times in the food industry working with the teams at 2 Sisters, and believe the group is set for a good period of solid growth,” he added.
“I have learnt loads from Ranjit and hold him and his family in very high regard. I’ve never known, to date, such drive, commitment and passion in any person.”
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