Former Co-Op CEO Steve Murrells joins Noble Foods board

Noble Foods has announced that Steve Murrells CBE has joined the family-owned business as Non-Executive Board Director, beginning this month.

The appointment at Noble Foods follows Murrells’ vast career in the food and retail industry – most recently as Group CEO at the Co-op Group, before which he held Executive positions at Tulip, Tesco and Sainsburys.

Steve will work alongside the Board and Executive team to guide the business forward in what continues to be a challenging, but progressive, climate. Together with Chair, Sarah Dean, and CEO Duncan Everett, he will influence the future growth of the business, its brands and innovations.

Commenting on the appointment, Steve Murrells CBE said: “This is a purpose-led business, with a strong focus on their people, animal welfare and their impact on the planet. Strengths which are deeply important to me. I’m delighted to have joined the team and been welcomed so warmly. Over 100 years since the business first began, now is truly an exciting time to join the Noble Foods family”.

Noble Foods encompasses milling, poultry, agriculture and consumer foods business units. Within this, the business owns several leading brands, including the UK’s largest free-range egg brand ‘the happy egg co.’ and Purely Organic, which was recently certified as Carbon Neutral by The Carbon Trust.

“This is an important time for Noble Foods as we grow and develop our business across both core elements of egg and animal feed and Steve’s wealth of retail and food experience is a fantastic addition to our Board. We welcome his challenge, insight and guidance in the years to come,” said Noble Foods CEO Duncan Everett.

The onboarding of Steve Murrells CBE coincides with the retirement of Non-Executive Director Trudi Ryan. Trudi’s history and influence with Noble Foods began in 1994, when she advised former owner Peter Dean and his Executive team at Deans Foods.

“I would like to thank Trudi for all her support to the Dean family over the years, culminating in her recent position on our Board. She has been instrumental in shaping the leadership team and the culture change within Noble Foods in the last four years and I wish her well in her retirement,” said Sarah Dean, Chair of Noble Foods.