Premier Foods, the embattled food group behind the Hovis brand, has appointed a new non-executive director.

Ian Krieger has a 40-year background in business and accountancy and was a senior partner and vice-chairman at Deloitte until his retirement earlier this year.

Krieger’s previous management responsibilities included heading the Corporate Finance Practice, the London Corporate Audit Division and the Private Equity Practice. He will join both the Audit and Remuneration Committees with immediate effect.

Premier Foods is in the process of trying to reduce its debts and is currently understood to be reviewing its bread and milling business.