The Chief Financial Officer at bakery giant Greggs is set to retire after 28 years with the company.
Richard Hutton, who has played a ‘central role’ in the development of the business and its growth over the past two decades, will also step down from the board after 20 years.
Greggs has named his successor as Ben Waldron, who will also be an Executive Director, who will join Greggs on 27 October 2026 and take on the role of CFO from 1 January 2027.
Prior to joining Greggs, Waldron worked for Bakkavor Group plc, an international fresh prepared food business, where he held a number of senior leadership roles over 14 years.
He was Chief Financial Officer and also held senior operational roles as Group Strategy Director, Chief Executive Officer of Bakkavor Asia and Chief Executive Officer of Bakkavor USA.
Since leaving Bakkavor, Waldron has been based in Australia working across a portfolio of advisory roles.
He will work with Richard Hutton during the handover period, before Hutton retires from the company at the end of 2026.
Matt Davies, Chair of Greggs, said: “On behalf of the Board, I look forward to welcoming Ben to Greggs as Chief Financial Officer. He will join the business at an exciting stage in its continued development. His strong financial and commercial expertise, together with his experience in senior operational leadership roles within an international food manufacturing business, will be an invaluable asset to Greggs.
“I would also like to thank Richard for his outstanding commitment and leadership over many years. Since joining the Board in 2006, he has played a central role in the development of the business and supported a period of significant growth. We are grateful that he will remain with Greggs to support an orderly handover before his retirement at the end of 2026.”
Roisin Currie, Chief Executive Officer of Greggs, added: “Richard has been a trusted colleague, and I have greatly valued the partnership we have built over many years. His contribution to Greggs has been outstanding, and he will leave with the warmest thanks and very best wishes from everyone across the Company. I am also looking forward to welcoming Ben to Greggs and look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategic plans.”
Ben Waldron commented: “I am delighted to be joining Greggs, a great British brand with a strong culture and exciting opportunities for continued growth. I look forward to working with Matt, Roisin, the Board and the wider Greggs team to support the next stage of the Company’s development.”
