United Kingdom-based Young’s Seafood Limited and its parent company Young’s Seafood International Holdings have announced Pete Ward has stepped down from his position as Chief Executive of Young’s U.K. business operations.
Ward had worked at Young’s for 38 years and spent more than 24 years in board level positions. The decision follows the completion of a strategic review of Young’s, led by Ward, which focused the business on driving top-line growth through new commercial strategies, innovation and a greater emphasis on foodservice and exports.
Having put the plan into action, championed the company’s Virtual Integration strategy and established a strengthened and expanded Operating Board capable of delivering the company’s new strategy, Ward now wishes to pursue opportunities outside of Young’s to promote the U.K. seafood industry as a whole, said Young’s.
Bill Showalter, currently CEO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings, will assume Ward’s responsibilities in addition to his own duties until a new chief executive is announced.
Showalter has more than 28 years’ experience of working in the seafood, food and consumer-facing industries. He joined Young’s in 2013 and was appointed CEO of Young’s Seafood International Holdings in January 2016.
“I’d like to thank Pete for his contribution to Young’s Seafood Limited. Under his leadership, we have been able to build a strong business, develop a great leadership team, establish Young’s Virtual Integration strategy and complete the Company’s Strategic Review. The company is the number one U.K. seafood processor, and Pete’s vision and drive have been invaluable in achieving this success. Our focus continues to be on inspiring people to love fish now and for generations to come, and on providing great service to our customers and consumers,” said Showalter.
