Noble Foods has appointed ABP UK commercial director Andrew Cracknell as its new chief executive, replacing Peter Thornton.
Cracknell will join Noble on 14 January, after about 20 years with meat processing group ABP. He is currently commercial and board director for ABP Food Group UK, responsible for supplying fresh and frozen beef to retailers.
Thornton will remain within the Noble group as a non-executive director and will also become chairman of Gü and Noble’s US division, Noble Foods Inc.
Noble owner Michael Kent said Thornton had wanted for some time to move into a non-exec position to spend more time with his family. The move would allow Noble plenty of time to ensure an orderly transition. “Peter and Andrew will work closely together for a few weeks as part of the handover process,” he said, adding: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Peter Thornton for all the brilliant hard work he has done for Noble.”
Cracknell would bring operational experience - gained during his time as general manager of ABP’s Ellesmere plant - as well as senior relationships with retailers to his new role, Kent said. “I wish Andrew every success at Noble and look forward to working with him and Peter in their new roles.”
ABP has yet to announce a replacement for Cracknell. “Andrew has made a fantastic contribution to ABP UK, and we wish him well in his new role,” said ABP UK CEO Tom Kirwan. “It is too early to make any comment about replacing Andrew.”
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