Company Watch: Greencore takes stock after surprise departure of chief executive

Patrick Coveney’s generally successful tenure at Greencore, during which time it grew into Britain’s leading convenience food business, will be marred by the failed attempt to conquer the US

Greencore boss Patrick Coveney: his successful tenure was marred by the firm’s US misadventure. Picture: Bryan Meade

Patrick Coveney’s announcement ten days ago that he would be stepping down as chief executive of Greencore came as a bit of a surprise – not least to the company’s board.

The Corkman’s 14-year spell at the helm of the supermarket sandwich-maker will come to an end next March as he departs for SSP Group, the global airport caterer and owner of Upper Crust.

Gary Kennedy, the company’s chairman, told reporters last week at the ...