UK snack group Glisten announced today (10 December) that David Wallis will succeed Jeremy Hamer as chairman, with immediate effect.

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Wallis is currently chairman of Directorbank and has served as chairman of Speedy Hire, as well as having held senior board positions at a number of other UK public and private companies.


Glisten has seen profits hit by depressed demand due to the economic downturn and problems at its Halo cereal bar business. Profits for the year ended 30 June plummeted 49%, the company revealed last month.


However, a spokesperson for the group insisted that Hamer’s exit was unrelated to Glisten’s problems. “Hamer is leaving to concentrate on his other business interests,” the spokesperson told just-food.


The spokesperson also emphasised that Glisten was “pleased with the progress” it has made in growing sales this year. 

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Revenues for the five months to end of November were up 12%, climbing to GBP32.7m (US$53.4m), the company revealed this morning.


Speaking ahead of the company’s AGM, being held today in Leeds, Hamer emphasised the importance of the Christmas trading period to Glisten’s performance.


“Christmas / New Year trading remains important for all our businesses, particularly Dormen Foods and Glisten Confectionery at Christmas and Halo Foods and Snacks Unlimited in the post Christmas period when consumers look for healthier products,” he said.


However, the spokesperson declined to provide an outlook for Christmas trading, citing “uncertain” economic conditions.

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