Greggs Regulatory News (GRG)

24 January 2013

Greggs plc

New Chief Executive for Greggs

The Board of Greggs plc is pleased to announce that Roger Whiteside will be the next Chief Executive, following the announcement on 10 December 2012 that Ken McMeikan had informed the Board of his intention to leave the Group. Roger will take up the role with effect from 4 February 2013 and, following a handover period, Ken will step down from the Board and leave the company on 8 March 2013.

Roger has been a Non Executive Director of Greggs since March 2008 and is currently Chief Executive of Punch Taverns plc, one of the UK's largest leased pub companies with a portfolio of around 4,500 pubs nationwide.

Roger, who is 54, has wide ranging experience in retail. He began his career at Marks & Spencer where he spent 20 years, ultimately becoming head of its food business. He was then one of the founding team of Ocado, and served as Joint Managing Director from 2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 2007, he led a successful business turnaround as Chief Executive of the Thresher Group off-licence chain, before joining Punch Taverns.

Derek Netherton, Chairman, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Roger as Chief Executive. Not only has he got considerable management experience in retailing and food but also, as a Non Executive Director of Greggs during a period of significant change, he has been involved in developing the strategy. He is very well respected within the company and his appointment will enable a smooth transition in what is still a challenging consumer environment."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ken for his leadership since joining Greggs in 2008. Despite the double-dip recession, the company has grown its core estate significantly, opening record numbers of new shops in a variety of locations and formats, and entering new channels to market through franchising and wholesaling. He has also considerably enhanced Greggs' commitment to putting the community at the heart of the business. Ken will leave us with our very best wishes for his continued success in the future."

Roger Whiteside said: "I joined the Greggs Board in 2008 and I have been impressed with the team, which Ihave got to know well. I look forward to working with them to further develop our strategy. Greggs is a great business with an iconic brand that has strengthened considerably over the past few years. I believe we have a great future."

The Preliminary Results for the 52 weeks ended 29 December 2012 will now be released on 20 March 2013.

ENDS