Wagg has announced the appointment of James Lambert OBE to its board, initially as a non-executive Director, effective from January 1. James will succeed Bill Page as non-executive Chairman from March 1, following Bill's decision to retire on his 75th birthday. Bill will remain a non-executive Director.

James Lambert was formerly CEO & Executive Chairman of R&R Ice Cream. When he joined as MD in 1987 it had five employees and a £250,000 turnover and when he retired earlier this year it had grown to become Europe’s largest own label ice cream business with more than 3,000 employees and revenues of some €700 million. He was EY’s UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2013 and subsequently represented the UK at the 2014 World Entrepreneur event. He is also chairman of Burtons Biscuits and Animalcare plc.

Commenting on the changes, Richard Page, MD, said: "This is a momentous change. On the one hand, we are all sad to see Father retire. He was instrumental in founding WaggFoods and building it up to what it is today: the UK's largest independent manufacturer of dry pet food. He had the vision and drive to create the current platform and everyone at Wagg is grateful for the opportunity this has given us.

"Looking forward, as markets become more challenging and opportunities for growth change, we are very fortunate to have someone with the calibre and experience offered by James to replace him. We are all looking forward to the new challenges and welcome James on board."

James Lambert commented: "I am very excited by the opportunity of working with the team at Wagg. As a fellow Yorkshire man, I have watched as this company has developed over the last few years. It now has tremendous brand presence in the pet sector; operates a world class manufacturing plant and is pushing exports into a range of new markets.

"I have some big shoes to fill, but am looking forward to working with everyone at Wagg."