UK convenience food maker Symington’s has announced the appointments of Tim Whiting as chairman and Clare Urmston as CFO.

Symington’s said Whiting, who has “more than 15 years’ experience in the food industry having worked for RHM and Northern Foods”, has been working with the company since last September in an advisory capacity.

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Urmston, who also formerly worked at Northern Foods and joined Symington’s in April from UK value retailer Wilko, “brings extensive experience of the retail and manufacturing industries”, Symington’s said.

Urmston replaces John Kitson, who recently retired from the role.

Symington’s CEO John Power said: “We have spent a great deal of effort over the last few months in restructuring the business to ensure its efficient and ongoing success. Strengthening our management team has very much been part of that plan.”

The company said the appointments follow the recent hiring of Matt Lee as chief commercial officer and Christian Boulter as head of the firm’s southern business unit.

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Symington’s is based in Leeds and employs 700 across five sites. The company’s brands include Mug Shot, Naked Noodle and Golden Wonder. Symington’s also produces Aunt Bessie’s, Peppa Pig, The Minions and Paw Patrol products under licence.

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