Leading chilled food manufacturer The Compleat Food Group has announced a major strengthening of its senior leadership structure, appointing Nick Reade to the newly created role of UK Managing Director.
Reporting directly to CEO Nick Field, Reade joins the business during a period of rapid expansion and consolidation. His appointment is designed to unify the group’s operational functions following a series of high-profile acquisitions that have pushed annual turnover past the £1.4bn mark.
Strategic Mandate and Responsibilities
In this inaugural role, Reade is tasked with shaping and delivering the group’s commercial strategy. His remit involves bringing together several critical business functions—including customer, category, product, marketing, and outsourced operations—to streamline performance across a diverse portfolio.
The group is home to major UK brands including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Squeaky Bean, and Vadasz.
Executive Profile
Reade brings deep FMCG experience to the table, joining after an 11-year tenure at Mars, where he most recently served as General Manager for the UK and Ireland. His career history also includes significant roles at blue-chip giants GSK and PepsiCo.
Nick Field, CEO of The Compleat Food Group, commented on the hire: “We’re delighted to welcome Nick to the Group. He brings deep experience in UK FMCG, a track record of driving commercial performance, and a leadership style focused on clarity, accountability and empowering teams to do their best work. The creation of this role and Nick’s appointment completes a new enhanced leadership structure for the group which will support in driving the next phase of our journey.”
M&A Context and Growth
Reade’s arrival follows an aggressive acquisition spree that has significantly expanded the group’s manufacturing footprint. Recent integrations include:
Greencore: The acquisition of the sauces and soups business in Bristol (following CMA approval).
Harvey & Brockless: A speciality food producer and distributor.
Other Key Deals: The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co, Freshpak, SK Foods, and Zorba Foods.
Nick Reade expressed his enthusiasm for the company's trajectory:
“The growth of The Compleat Food Group since its inception in 2021 has been fantastic to observe and the opportunity to be part of its continued success was hugely appealing. With its exciting brands and category-leading capabilities, alongside its Food to Feel Good ethos, this is a business that really embraces a modern entrepreneurial spirit with genuine heart and purpose.”
The Compleat Food Group Appoints Mars Veteran Nick Reade as First UK Managing Director
News
January 13, 2026
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