United Biscuits chief executive quits
United Biscuits chief executive Malcolm Ritchie is leaving the company just months after private equity groups Blackstone and PAI acquired the biscuits and snacks manufacturer.
It is understood that UBUK managing director Benoit Testard will now take over the entire UK operation and will now be responsible for manufacturing and logistics as well as its commercial operations. David Fish, the UK chairman, has expanded his role from non-executive to executive.
Ritchie’s decision to leave comes amid several senior staff departures. Mohamed Elsarky, managing director of Northern Europe, and Bill Winthrop, management services director, ire also leaving the company. Elsarky will be replaced by Anthony Franchterre, who moves from elsewhere in the company.
As part of the change, chief financial officer Jeff van der Eems will now also become chief operating officer.