Ben Maxted is to become the chief executive of the Kitwave Group, with the current chief operating officer set to replace the retiring Paul Young next year.
In a business update, the wholesale company confirmed that a handover will commence immediately and also announced that the board expects the full-year financial results to be in line with current market expectations.
The statement also revealed that the integration of fresh produce wholesaler West Country Food Holdings has been successful, and the construction of a new 80,000 sq. ft. distribution centre to fully integrate the group’s south-west operations has commenced with completion planned for autumn 2024.
Read more: Kitwave’s revenues up 23% with construction of South West distribution facility now underway
Young said: “I am delighted to report that Kitwave continued to perform strongly both financially and operationally in the financial year ended 31 October 2023. Given that trading in the wholesale sector is typically stronger in H2 of our financial year, we capitalised on the positive momentum from H1 2023 and anticipate being in line with current market expectations for the full year.
“We are particularly pleased with the excellent performance of West Country Food Holdings since its integration into the Group earlier this year enabling Kitwave to now offer high-quality fresh produce across the south-west.”
Commenting on Maxted’s appointment, he added: “On behalf of the directors, we are delighted to announce that Ben Maxted will become chief executive ifficer following my retirement at the company’s AGM in March 2024. As chief operating officer, Ben has demonstrated excellent commercial and operational expertise and these skills will continue to be invaluable in his new role and in delivering the next phase of our growth strategy.”
