Industry & Business

Andrew Cracknell will be joining Noble Foods as chief executive from 14th January 2014, as replacement for Peter Thornton, who is stepping down after over five years at the group. Noble Foods is the leading supplier of fresh eggs to the major retailers in the UK and has also widened its portfolio into the premium desserts category.

Having played a key role in helping to transform the fortunes of the business since he joined, Peter Thornton has decided to change career direction by working in more of a non executive capacity in the future, which will also allow him to spend more time with his family. Peter Thornton has agreed to become a non executive director of the Noble Group as well as being chairman of Gü, the desserts business, and Noble Foods Inc, the US business.

Andrew Cracknell has spent the last 20 years working in various senior roles at ABP Food Group, one of Europe’s leading privately owned food processors. Andrew Crasknell has progressed impressively through the ranks at ABP gaining operational experience by running the Ellesmere plant as general manager. Over the last four years Andrew Cracknell has held the role of commercial and board director for ABP Food Group UK where he is responsible for all business units supplying fresh and frozen beef products across the retail sector, where he holds close relationships at senior director level.

Peter Thornton and Andrew Cracknell will work closely together for a few weeks as part of the handover process.