Chris Kirke has been appointed CEO of salad growing company Fischer Farms.

Kirke, who has over 26-years’ experience in the FMCG market in the US and UK, joins Fischer Farms from Moy Park, where he was president for over six years. He also spent over a decade with Greencore US, holding both managing director and CEO roles.

At Fischer Farms, Kirke will manage day-to-day operations and focus on the strategic direction of the business.

Tristan Fischer, founder of Fischer Farms, will move into the group CEO role, maintaining his position as the visionary of the company and driving global expansion. He will focus on future activities, including innovation and R&D, as well as overseeing brand and culture development.

Fischer will work with Kirke and chairman John Stapleton to grow the existing Fischer Farms business, as well as expanding opportunities with Fischer Farms Foods and Fischer Farms Technology. Fischer and Kirke will work together to raise the profile of the business amongst current and potential investors and stakeholders.

“Vertical farming offers real promise when it comes to creating a more sustainable food supply chain, delivering high-quality fresh produce, with minimal impact on the planet.”

Kirke said: “It is an exciting time to join Fischer Farms, as the business continues to scale, expand its production from leafy greens to a future producing soft fruit, rice, wheat, soy and peas and attract widespread commercial interest from major retailers and food service providers. Tristan and the team have established an innovative, forward-thinking business and I am very much looking forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise to Fischer Farms, to drive commercial growth and expansion.

“Vertical farming offers real promise when it comes to creating a more sustainable food supply chain, delivering high-quality fresh produce, with minimal impact on the planet. It is fantastic to be part of the vertical farming revolution, and through my work here at Fischer Farms, I hope to be able to play my part in shaping the future of the industry as a whole.”

Fischer said: “I am delighted to welcome Chris to Fischer Farms. Chris’ knowledge and experience of the food sector, particularly in the US, will be invaluable as we continue to scale up and attract more commercial partners in the coming months. 

“While Chris focuses on the today, I will be focusing on the tomorrow, continuing to drive forward Fischer Farms’ ultimate goal – to safeguard food security on a global scale. I am very much looking forward to working with Chris and together, shaping the future for Fischer Farms and the wider vertical farming industry. This strategic move positions Fischer Farms to meet the growing demand for sustainable, locally-produced food while delivering value to our investors and partners.”

Food Management Today previously reported on Clegg Food Projects’ construction of the “world’s biggest vertical farm” for Fischer Farms, which saw the £25 million project completed in November 2023.