ON THE BOARD

Robert Watson, 59 Executive chairman, Hilton Food

ROBERT Watson is to be Hilton Food’s new executive chairman, replacing Colin Smith who retires on July 1.

He will be replaced as chief executive by operating chief Philip Heffer. Watson has been Hilton’s boss since 2002 and was awarded an OBE for services to the meat industry in 2000.

His elevation may raise eyebrows as it goes against corporate governance code recommendations, which say a chief executive should not go on to chair the same company.