The Compleat Food Group has appointed its first chief operating officer as the UK business seeks to supports its "growth strategy".

Having expanded through M&A since the company formed through a merger in 2021, The Compleat Food Group has promoted Brian Byrne to COO. He takes on his new role from today (1 May).

With more than two decades in global supply chain leadership roles, Byrne "will take overall accountability for the end-to-end supply chain, including planning, sourcing, manufacturing and delivery", according to a statement announcing his appointment.

CEO Nick Field said: “Brian has already made a significant impact since joining us, and his promotion to chief operating officer is a natural next step as we evolve our business.

"His expertise, leadership and drive for excellence will be instrumental as we continue to build a supply chain that is agile, resilient and built for the future."

The group’s portfolio, grown through acquisitions, includes baked goods such as pies and quiches, and sausages. It also features deli items like olives, antipasti and pickles. Pork Farms, Wall’s Pastry, Squeaky Bean, Unearthed and Vadasz are among the company's brands.

The Compleat Food Group was formed in 2021 when private-equity owner, Paris-headquartered PAI Partners, merged its UK portfolio companies Winterbotham Darby and Addo Food Group.

The first acquisition out of the blocks was pie maker Wrights Food Group in 2021. That business has an extensive portfolio stretching across pasties and sausage rolls, ready meals and bakery.

Dairy-free cheese business Palace Culture followed in 2023, adding the Kimcheeze, The Mouldy Goaty, Sacre Blue and Holy Smokes alternative cheese brands to the group offering.

Then last year, dips and party food specialists SK Foods and Zorba Foods were added to The Compleat Food Group portfolio. Harvey & Brockless, a producer of cheeses, charcuterie, olives and deli products, also joined the line-up last year.

And in 2025, the group acquired fellow UK business The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co. for an undisclosed sum in March, but has also made redundancies at some of its UK factories this year.

Headquartered in Surrey, south of London, The Compleat Food Group employs more than 5,500 people across 16 sites and has an annual turnover in excess of £1bn ($1.3bn), according to the company's LinkedIn page.

“I’m delighted to take on this new role and help shape the next phase of growth for The Compleat Food Group. We have an incredible team and a strong foundation to build upon," Byrne said.