Kraft Heinz UK and Ireland appoints former Unilever exec Lucy Hovey as CFO

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Kraft Heinz has appointed Lucy Hovey as chief financial officer for its UK and Ireland business, succeeding Darren Vries, who is stepping down after over eight years.

Hovey brings more than 20 years of finance leadership experience across the consumer goods industry. She joins Kraft Heinz from Unilever, where she spent the last 13 years in a range of senior finance leadership roles.

Most recently, she served as the CFO for Unilever UK and Ireland’s personal care business, while also acting as finance lead for deodorants and skin cleansing across Europe.

Her previous leadership positions include roles across Unilever’s global and local organisations, including with brands such as Dove, Lynx and Ren Clean Skincare. During this time, she is credited for driving a significant business turnaround, helping the business to restore growth and profitability.

Hovey began her career at KPMG, advising consumer goods and retail businesses including Tesco, Diageo and Mars.

In her new role, Hovey will lead Kraft Heinz’s UK and Ireland finance function, including setting financial strategy and multi-year plans, and partnering with the wider leadership team to drive profitable, sustainable growth across the business.

Marta Pilczuk, managing director for Kraft Heinz UK and Ireland, said: “Lucy is a highly accomplished finance leader with a strong track record of partnering closely with commercial teams to deliver profitable, sustainable growth”.

She added: “Her breadth of experience across category and business unit leadership, combined with her collaborative, people-first approach, will be invaluable as we continue to build momentum in the UK and Ireland. I’m delighted to welcome Lucy to Kraft Heinz, and I’d like to thank Darren for his leadership and contribution to the business as we begin this transition.”

Commenting on her appointment, Hovey said: “I’m incredibly excited to join Kraft Heinz and be part of a business with such iconic brands and strong momentum, and to work with a team that’s clearly ambitious, energetic and focused on what comes next”.

“I’m looking forward to learning quickly, supporting the continued success of the UK&I business and bringing fresh perspective along the way.”

Kraft Heinz reported approximately $25 billion in net sales in 2025, with a portfolio of leading brands, including Heinz, Kraft, Philadelphia, Primal Kitchen and Lunchables, sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.