Premier Foods strengthens its sustainability team with new ESG hire

Nick Brown has been appointed Director of ESG in a newly created role

17-Aug-2021 - United Kingdom

Nick Brown has been appointed Director of ESG at Premier Foods, one of Britain's biggest ambient food producers and home to some of the nation’s best loved brands including Bisto, Oxo and Mr Kipling.

Reporting into Hannah Collyer, Corporate Affairs and ESG Director, Nick will oversee the company’s growing environmental, social and governance agenda and will be responsible for delivering against the company’s ambitious sustainability targets. This includes reaching 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.

Nick joins Premier Foods from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, where he held senior roles leading various operational and commercial functions before heading up its sustainability and sustainable packaging teams. He brings with him extensive experience in packaging, decarbonisation, water stewardship, sustainable sourcing and community engagement.

In this newly created role, Nick will also work with Juliette Mille who was appointed to the permanent role of ESG Manager earlier this year. Together, this three-strong team who are now represented on the Executive Leadership Team, will ensure sustainability is incorporated throughout the supply chain, from sustainable sourcing through to responsible marketing.

Crucial to Premier Food’s ESG strategy and Nick’s role is encouraging healthier choices. This includes creating at least one ‘better-for-you’ option in every one of its core ranges and enhancing the nutrition profile of its existing core range. Sharwood’s low fat cooking sauces - which grew at twice the rate of Premier Food’s branded portfolio in Q1^[1] - are just one example of how the company is turning commitments into action.

Nick comments: “This is a hugely exciting time to join Premier Foods and as the business moves into its next phase of growth, I see a real opportunity to build on the momentum of the last 18 months, which has rightly brought ESG into sharper focus. I’m looking forward to meeting the teams and learning more about the business’s iconic brands, which will both play a crucial role in bringing Premier Food’s strengthened ESG strategy to life.”

Hannah Collyer, Corporate Affairs and ESG Director at Premier Foods, adds: “Nick brings with him a wealth of experience and a true passion for sustainability that will be vital in helping to deliver our sustainable growth model. Nick’s appointment is demonstrative of the importance we place on ESG and we’re pleased to welcome Nick to our growing team.”