Simon Howie prepares for growth with a reshuffle at the top

SIMON Howie, the Perthshire butcher turned entrepreneur, is stepping down as managing director of his eponymous food business to become chairman as the firm gears up for expansion.

Andrew Staal, the former Australasia general manager of AB World Foods, has been appointed as Howie’s replacement. Described as a “commercially rounded, high calibre” manager, Staal spent 15 years with the Patak’s foods business.

He oversaw the development of a European unit following Patak’s acquisition by industry giant Associated British Foods in 2007. Staal subsequently took on the role of general manager for Australasia, establishing a new company based in Sydney.

He said: “My focus over the next few months will be to work with the team to identify and develop the optimum growth strategy … then roll up my sleeves and drive it forward to deliver a step-change.”

Howie added: “I’m convinced that the appointment of an MD dedicated exclusively on the food business will drive growth significantly.”

Simon Howie Foods is part a wider group with an annual turnover above £40 million.