Greencore CEO Patrick Coveney quits after 14 years to join SSP

SSP Group is the owner of the Upper Crust chain of sandwich shops that trade at airports and train stations. Mr Coveney succeeds Simon Smith.

Jonathan Davies, in his role as deputy CEO and CFO, will lead the Group Executive Committee and oversee day to day business prior to Coveney joining. Mr Coveney will resign from Greencore next March.

SSP Group chairman Mike Clasper described Mr Coveney as a “strong and strategic leader”.

Meanwhile, a search for a new CEO at Greencore has begun with non-executive chair Gary Kennedy taking a ‘more active role’ in the business and assuming the role of executive chair from when Coveney leaves. Chief commercial officer Kevin Moore will also step into the role of deputy chief executive with immediate effect.

During his time at Greencore, which produces a range of convenience foods in the UK and Ireland, Coveney helped transform the business into an ‘international leader in value added convenience food, most notably in food-to-go’. He is also credited with delivering a ‘strong track record of growth’, forging long-term partnerships with customers across the UK, US and Europe and driving ‘significant cultural change’, developing people and embedding sustainability into Greencore’s strategy.

Prior to working at Greencore in 2005, Coveney worked for nine years at McKinsey & Company in Europe and North America, laterally as managing partner for Ireland. He also serves as a non-executive director of Glanbia plc and Core Media.

“Patrick is a strong and strategic leader, combining this with proven financial and operational experience in some of the most competitive categories in the food sector,” said Mike Clasper, chair of the board, SSP.

“His customer and colleague focus make him ideally placed to lead SSP to future success. Patrick will be well supported by Jonathan Davies, who together with the executive committee and board will ensure we complete a smooth transition.”