2 Sisters new CEO sets out changes

Ronald Kers, formerly chief executive at dairy giant Müller, started at 2 Sisters on 1 August and has outlined a new “framework for success” plan for the firm.

Transformation team

A key part of this is an “acceleration of the turnaround” of poultry operations, and the formation of a “transformation team”. Central to this is a merger of 2 Sisters added value and protein divisions.

2 Sisters’ latest results reveal its protein division, which at the time accounted for poultry and red meat production, reported turnover up 1.2% in Q3, but operating profits down by £12.5m when compared with the same period in the previous year. This translated to a loss of £5.8m for the quarter.

Last week the firm announced the sale of its red meat business to Irish processor Kepak Group as it continues to simplify its sprawling operations.

Mr Kers said the new combined division would be ran by current UK poultry managing director Keith Packer, with support from director Antonio Boparan.

Müller Milk and Ingredients director Dan Howell is also to join the firm as commercial director.

Group technical director Chris Gilbert-Wood will also retire next year, to be replaced by Greencore Group technical director Helen Sisson.

Improved organisational culture

Mr Kers said: “The foundations of our business have already been built by Ranjit and I do not intend to change these. So our direction of travel around supporting our profitable businesses in our ‘heartland’, improving execution, reducing cost and building a better organisational culture will continue.

“There is so much opportunity for our business, and I have received tremendous support from Ranjit and all colleagues so that we can make this happen. I am keen to bring a new shape to the business so execution and delivery are the best that they can be.

“A merged poultry operation will help deliver end-to-end solutions from farm to fork and also for us be more aligned across fresh and added value poultry, something our customers are increasingly asking for.

“And a dedicated transformation team will be focused on driving business change for the benefit of all managing directors, but without the distraction of the ‘day-to-day’ operations.”