US-based fresh prepared foods manufacturer Kettle Cuisine has appointed former Kraft Heinz executive Peter Hall as its CEO.

Hall succeeds Liam McClennon, who has retired after 11 years leading the business.

In a statement, Kettle Cuisine said Hall brings more than 12 years of “leadership experience” at Kraft Heinz, working across retail and foodservice channels in multiple markets.

Most recently, he was president of Kraft Heinz’s largest "elevation" business unit in North America, which ran operated 12 manufacturing facilities and managed brands including Heinz, Kraft, and Philadelphia.

Hall joins Kettle Cuisine as the business looks to push into a “next phase of growth”, including potential expansion through selective partnerships and acquisitions, according to the company.

Hall said: “Kettle Cuisine has built an impressive business, with deep customer relationships, distinctive culinary and manufacturing capabilities, and a talented team.

“Our ambition is to be consumer-led and insight-driven, anticipating what our customers and their consumers need and delivering for them with consistency, creativity, and speed. We will create even greater value for our customers as we continue to grow and evolve the business.”

Founded in 1986, Kettle Cuisine began as a scratch-made soup producer. It has since expanded into refrigerated and frozen prepared foods, including soups, broths, sauces, sides and entrées.

The company operates four production facilities in the US and supplies retail and foodservice customers.

It counts L Catterton as an investor in the company. L Catterton president Nik Thukral said: “We are excited to partner with Peter and the Kettle team as they build on the company’s momentum.”

The private-equity firm holds a majority stake in the business following the formation of a joint venture with Nestlé in 2022 that merged Kettle Cuisine with now-defunct Freshly meal delivery business.