United Biscuits, (UB), a leading international manufacturer of biscuits, has appointed Frank Meysman as non-executive Chairman of the Group, joining the Board as Chairman on 21 October, 2014, succeeding David Fish, who is retiring.
Commenting on the announcement, Martin Glenn, Chief Executive Officer of United Biscuits said: “I am delighted to welcome Frank to the business. Given we are considering the next stage of our future, someone with Frank’s experience who understands both packaged goods and operating in a public market environment will bring invaluable experience to support the Group.
“I would also like to thank David Fish, who is retiring as Chairman for his great contribution to the business for more than a decade and wish him all the very best for the future.”
Meysman, 62 and a Belgian national, is currently non-executive Chairman of FTSE-250 listed Thomas Cook Plc and the Belgian company Betafence NV, currently owned by CVC Capital Partners and De Gilde. He was also named Non-Executive Director of the Year in the Sunday Times awards earlier this year.
He has had a long and successful executive career with over 25 years’ experience working with major global consumer goods businesses. He joined Procter & Gamble in 1977, moved to Douwe Egberts from 1986 until 1990 and then Sara Lee (now Hillshire Brands Company) until 2003. He spent his last six years on the Board at Sara Lee having managed large divisions and overseeing the company’s activities in 130 countries.
Since leaving Sara Lee, he has also held non-executive directorships at a number of private and public companies in Europe and the UK.
Meysman, said: “United Biscuits is a fantastic business, with great heritage and iconic brands, and strong foundations for further growth. This is a very exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues as we deliver the next phase of the Group’s global growth potential. This new position is complimentary to my continued commitment as Chair of Thomas Cook, whose transformation continues to deliver results.”