Jesper Friis stepping down as New World Trading Company CEO

Jesper Friis is stepping down as chief executive of the New World Trading Company (NWTC) to return to Denmark and his family.

The news was first reported by Propel.

Friis said it was "with a heavy heart he has to say goodbye to one of the most interesting companies he has ever worked for, but he wants and needs to return to Denmark after six years here in the UK".

Chief financial officer Jim Pickworth, chief operating officer Natasha Waterfield and property director Tim McCormac will manage the business for the time being, with support from the board.

A statement from the group said: "We thank Jesper for his contribution to NWTC over the past two years."

Friis joined the group in April 2020, having spent more than four years as chief executive of Ole & Steen, leading the bakery business from 35 to 100 outlets, including in the UK and New York. He spent three years prior running the Western European arm of Carlsberg Group.