Bernard Matthews appoints new chief executive

UK turkey producer, Bernard Matthews, has appointed Rob Burnett as its new chief executive.

For the last twelve years Burnett has been chief executive of S Daniels PLC and latterly Hain Daniels. He has considerable brand experience with New Covent Garden Soup, Johnson’s Juice, Linda McCartney, Hartleys and many more. He has also had major involvement with retailer brands.

Prior to this he had sales and general management roles with Albert Fisher PLC, including managing director for the Seafood Division and group commercial director. Burnett will join the business on the 30th June and his commercial and production experience is ideal for the business.

“We are delighted to have Rob joining us to continue and accelerate the recovery of our business which is well underway,” said David Joll, Bernard Matthews executive chairman.

Bernard Matthews has been troubled in recent years, resulting in frequent takeover speculation. It posted a £20 million loss in its previous earnings posting and was given a £20 million investment last September to turn things around. Spiralling costs and planning errors were named as factors resulting in the losses.