Associated British Foods (ABF) has appointed Joana Edwards as its group chief financial officer (CFO) with immediate effect.

She has served as group interim finance director since 31 March 2025, and prior to that was group financial controller, having joined the group in 2020.

Edwards has over 30 years of international finance experience across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa, with expertise in consumer goods industries, including retail.

ABF said she has a focus on disciplined capital allocation and shareholder value creation, combined with strong technical capability across integrated reporting, controls and financial planning.

Before joining ABF, Edwards was group financial controller at L'Oréal, having previously held a number of senior finance director roles.

Chief executive at ABF, George Weston, said: "Joana is a highly experienced financial leader who over the past 12 months has demonstrated a clear understanding of ABF's business and operating model, rigour in the execution of her role and a passion for building high performing teams. Joana will continue to play a key role in delivering the group's strategic priorities. Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to drive long-term, sustainable growth."

Edwards concluded: "I am thrilled to be appointed CFO. During my time at ABF, I have worked closely with our teams across the business and have seen first-hand the strength of our portfolio, the resilience of our model and the depth of talent we have across the organisation.

"I will focus on disciplined capital allocation, cost management and cash generation, while ensuring we invest behind the areas of greatest strategic potential. I look forward to working with the board and leadership team to deliver sustainable, long-term growth and attractive returns for our shareholders."

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