Hilton Food Group Plc (LON:HFG) has announced that Mark Clare has been appointed as Independent Non-executive Chair of the board with effect from 1 July 2026. Following its announcement on 31 March 2026, the company is now able to confirm that Mark Allen, currently Executive Chair, will assume the role of Group Chief Executive on 1 July 2026.
Mark Clare has extensive public listed company experience as a Chief Executive, Non-executive Director, Senior Independent Director and Board Chair. He is currently a Non-executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at Wickes Group Plc and a Non-executive Director at Drax Group plc. Mark was Chair of Grainger plc from 2017 to February 2026, Chair (designate) at Aggreko plc (now Aggreko Ltd) from October 2020 to August 2021, and Chair of Ricardo plc from 2022 to 2025. He was Senior Independent Director at United Utilities Group plc from 2013 to 2022, Senior Independent Director at Ladbroke’s Coral Group plc from 2016 until 2018, and Non-executive Director and Audit Committee Chair at BAA plc from 2001 until 2006.
Mark’s executive career included Chief Executive for Barratt Developments plc from 2006 until 2015; Managing Director of Centrica’s retail subsidiary British Gas from 2002 to 2006; and CFO of Centrica plc from 1997 to 2002.
Mark Allen, Executive Chair, commented:
“Mark brings fantastic public company and commercial experience to our Board. He has been successful at the most senior executive and non-executive levels in a distinguished career. The Board and I are very much looking forward to working with him. In the role of Group Chief Executive Officer, I will value the broad and deep experience he will be able to bring to bear as Chair of the Board, especially as we implement our clear plan arising from our strategic review to focus the business on its core capabilities and deliver sustainable long-term growth.”
Mark Clare, Chair (designate), commented:
“I am delighted to be joining the Board. Hilton Foods is at a pivotal stage in its evolution as it focuses on its strategy built around three growth levers, disciplined capital allocation and updated medium-term targets. I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the Board as we seek to maximise the business’ core, enhance its mix and expand geographically.”
There is no further information to be disclosed in respect of Mark Clare under paragraphs (1) to (6) of Listing Rule 6.4.8.
Remuneration Disclosure:
As Group Chief Executive Officer Mark Allen will receive an annual salary of £850,000. He will be eligible for an annual bonus of 150% of base salary and Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards of 175% of salary. Mark will be eligible for a bonus and will receive LTIP awards in respect of 2026. He will receive other benefits consistent with the Company’s Directors’ Remuneration Policy in force from time to time. Further detail will be set out in the 2026 Directors’ Remuneration Report. Mark Clare will receive an annual fee of £250,000 as Chair.
