Thai Union appointed Craig Walker as managing director of its MerAlliance subsidiary, one of Europe’s leading smoked salmon producers with production facilities in France and Poland.

Walker will be responsible for the development and delivery of the company’s strategic plan, including full responsibility for its commercial and supply chain activities.

Fluent in French and English, Walker has held senior management positions with several leading food companies including Danone, Numico and Labeyrie.

“I am very pleased that Craig has accepted our offer to lead MerAlliance," said President of Thai Union Europe Paul Reenan. "Craig is an international business leader with a strong track record in both branded and private label foods. With his experience and expertise in quality chilled seafood, I am confident that he will play a pivotal role in our drive to create profitable growth for MerAlliance by strengthening our existing customer relationships, broadening our customer base and launching new products."

Prior to joining MerAlliance, Walker was the UK CEO for Labeyrie Fine Foods, where he was responsible for their two UK seafood businesses, Lyons Seafoods and Farne Salmon & Trout.

He joins MerAlliance on Sept. 2 and will report to Paul Reenan. Walker will be a member of Thai Union’s European leadership team and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Paris.

MerAlliance is currently expanding its Quimper plant in Brittany, northern France.

MerAlliance spokesperson Isabelle Sechet confirmed the development to IntraFish in July but declined to specify the scope of the investment.

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Thai Union appoints Labeyrie exec to head MerAlliance