Pukka, the UK pies and pastry snacks business, has announced that current managing director Isaac Fisher is to become its new CEO with immediate effect.

The company, based in Leicestershire in England’s East Midlands region, said in a short statement confirming the move that current CEO Deborah Ewan is to step into a new role as non-executive director following six years with the business.

The company has been engaged in a review of its strategy, linked to a five-year plan to drive sales, and it was reported in March that it was searching for new investment for the business.

Fisher has been MD of the family-owned pie brand, founded by Trevor and Valerie Storer, for the past four years. It is understood Trevor and Valerie’s sons Tim and Andrew Storer will continue in their roles as directors.

Fisher has nearly 20 years of food industry experience, including working for fellow Leicestershire pie brands business Samworth Brothers, before joining Pukka in 2013.

On his promotion to CEO, he said: “I look forward to leading our highly talented team as we continue to smash it across savoury pastry, bringing full-on flavour and excitement to the category, whilst ensuring we maintain our strong unique Pukka culture rooted in our brand and our people.”

Departing CEO Ewan took the top job at Pukka in 2017.

She joined with more than 25 years’ experience leading food and non-food manufacturers, including 2 Sisters Food Group - where she spearheaded “strategic retail partnerships” - and fellow poultry products business Bernard Matthews.

In March, it was revealed that Pukka’s turnover for the 12 months to 27 May 2023 was £79.1m ($100.6m), up from £64.5m a year earlier. Pre-tax profit increased from £4.3m to £6.7m.