Thomas Foods International (TFI) has announced an executive reshuffle as managing director Darren Thomas takes on the CEO responsibilities.

Current group CEO Anthony Stewart is set to step down and move to executive director of the board from the start of 2025. He became CEO in 2021 and will work alongside Thomas during a transitional period in the coming months.

“Tony has provided great leadership, support and service since joining our family company back in 2014, initially as chief financial officer and later chief commercial officer,” Thomas said.

“In his recent time as group CEO, we have expanded significantly across Australia and overseas. As a board member, Tony’s continued insight and counsel will be highly valuable as we set our course for future global growth.”

A spokesperson told Just Food that there will be “further changes and announcements to come regarding the senior leadership of the business”.

Meanwhile, TFI has appointed Alexis Junin as chief financial officer of the Australian meat-processing company. He previously worked globally within advanced manufacturing, including roles as CFO and deputy CEO with Naval Group Australia.

“Over the years, Thomas Foods International has evolved into a truly global business with operations across Australia as well as Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America,” Thomas added.

“Having an experienced and focussed leadership team in place has been critical along that journey and will continue to be as we look to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Last year, TFI took over full ownership of local peer and fellow family business Frew Foods International.

Dulwich, South Australia-headquartered TFI is a processor of lamb, mutton, beef, goat and seafood and, since 2022, plant-based products.

Founded in 1988, it supplies retailers including Woolworths in Australia and Tesco in the UK. It also ships to the US and Asia.