Frozen food manufacturer Paramount 21 has announced the appointment of Josh Hannaford as the new chairman of the board of directors.

The UK manufacturer was founded 35 years ago in September 1988 in Devon. Paramount remains a family-owned business, specialising in frozen seafood, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free products.

Josh Hannaford takes over from the previous chairman and founder of Paramount, Ali Hannaford, who started the business in 1988. Commenting on her retirement, Ali noted: “I am positive that Josh will ensure Paramount is well positioned to continue to grow in this fast-paced and challenging world.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Josh Hannaford commented: “I’m honoured to take on the role of chairman of Paramount. We have a great team here who really care about making great food! I want to say a big thank you to Ali for all her guidance and support, and I am excited to help shape the direction of our business for the future, continuing to build upon Paramount’s already strong foundations.”

Building on the past

Josh Hannaford began working for Paramount 15 years ago as the buyer and was promoted to purchasing director in 2014. During his time as a director, he has been at the forefront of Paramount’s environmental and sustainability agenda, from encouraging the use of sustainably sourced seafood across the range to the removal of black plastic from the business.

He has also championed Paramount becoming an accredited Living Wage Foundation employer, the voluntary wage rate designed to go further than the Government minimum to meet the true cost of living.

Managing director Jon Phillips said: “On behalf of everyone associated with Paramount now and over the past 35 years I would like to thank Ali for having the vision, passion and determination to lead Paramount. There have been some challenges along the way but it has always been fun and Paramount is a great place to work.

“We are well placed to be successful in the future and I look forward to working with Josh to build on the past and explore new ways to embrace the future and deliver success for our customers, team and suppliers.”