A Pembrokeshire company’s chief operating officer has become the new CEO of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales.
José Peralta, who previously worked as the chief operating officer at Puffin Produce, has been announced as the new chief executive of the red meat levy body after an extensive recruitment exercise.
Mr Peralta has more than 25 years of experience in the UK meat industry, having worked as managing director of the UK’s second-largest red meat business under the ownership of Grampian Country Food Group, Vion, and 2 Sisters Food Group.
Under his leadership, the organisation had annual sales in excess of £500 million, more than 3,000 employees, and six processing plants across the UK.
He was also the managing director of Tulip Food Company, where he was responsible for eight processing sites and annual sales of more than £500 million of pork-based added value products.
HCC chairperson, Catherine Smith, said: “The Hybu Cig Cymru board look forward to working with José, confident that his exceptional leadership skills, and extensive experience in the red meat industry makes him the ideal candidate to lead HCC, in its next phase of development within a dynamic and evolving industry, while continuing to place our levy payers at the heart of everything we do.”
Hybu Cig Cymru is a Welsh Government arms-length body and the deputy first minister with responsibility for climate change and rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “I am pleased that José Peralta is taking up this important role.
“With such a strong track record in the red meat industry his experience will be invaluable to take the organisation forward, delivering the utmost for its levy payers and the wider agri-food industry.”
Mr Peralta is set to start his new role on January 20, 2025.