International food manufacturer Princes Group has appointed Simon Harrison as chief executive officer.

Since his appointment as deputy managing director in June last year, Princes said it had seen growth across “all key business units” and has also acquired a “number of strategic customers”, which the business said had led to “record trading performance” across the last 12 months.

Princes said Harrison brings more than 20 years of experience across brand and trade marketing, sales and operations to the role. Prior to joining Princes, he spent three years as vice president of commercial development at Coca-Cola European Partners.

Harrison commented: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as CEO to lead this fantastic business on its next phase of growth and to capitalise on the significant opportunities available to us, whilst continuing our unique mission of ‘proudly offering great tasting choices for everyone without costing the earth’.”

Kazuhito Suematsu, chairman of Princes Group, said: “Under Simon’s tenure as deputy managing director, our business has gained significant momentum. He will continue to accelerate this growth as CEO. Having overseen major investment into Princes infrastructure in recent years, Cameron Mackintosh will be leaving the business, and we wish him well for the future.”