Richard Hutton, chief financial officer of Greggs, will retire at the end of 2026 after 28 years with the high street bakery chain. He will be succeeded by Ben Waldron, who joins on October 27 as CFO-designate and executive director, taking over fully on January 1, 2027.
Hutton's tenure and achievements
Hutton, 58, joined Greggs in 1998 after training as a chartered accountant with KPMG and working at Procter & Gamble. He became finance director in 2006 and has overseen finance and strategic planning. Under his leadership, Greggs experienced significant growth, and he led the expansion of the company's breakfast clubs, which benefit thousands of children daily. He also serves as a trustee of the Greggs Foundation and chaired Business in the Community's Regional Advisory Board.
Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie praised Hutton's "outstanding contribution" to the business. Chair Matt Davies added: "Since joining the board in 2006, he has played a central role in the development of the business and supported a period of significant growth."
Successor Ben Waldron
Ben Waldron brings experience from Ernst & Young and Bakkavor Group, where he spent 14 years in senior roles. Most recently, he worked in advisory roles in Australia. Davies said: "His strong financial and commercial expertise, together with his experience in senior operational leadership roles within an international food manufacturing business, will be an invaluable asset to Greggs."
Waldron commented: "I am delighted to be joining Greggs, a great British brand with a strong culture and exciting opportunities for continued growth."
Orderly handover
Hutton will remain with Greggs until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. Currie noted: "Richard has been a trusted colleague, and I have greatly valued the partnership we have built over many years."
