Nestlé UK and Ireland appointed former Purina executive Ben Duncan as the new managing director for Food UK and Ireland effective from 13 April onwards.

As part of his new role, Duncan will manage Nestlé’s food business across the UK and Ireland, leading a portfolio of a range of popular brands, including Maggi and Carnation.

Duncan brings years of experience to the role, having worked in senior commercial roles in the UK and internationally where he managed sales and marketing teams.

He joined Purina, Nestlé’s pet care business, in 2004 and has worked within the organisation for over 20 years, recently serving as head of marketing for Purina’s Northern Region.

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Duncan said: “I’m really pleased to be stepping into the role of managing director and joining the brilliant team in our food business.

“Our trusted brands play a key role in everyday meals for families across the UK and Ireland, and I’m excited to build on that trust and put consumers at the centre of everything we do.”

During Duncan’s time as head of marketing, he worked towards strengthening brand plans and led executions for popular brands, including Felix, Winalot and Edward Baker.

This comes after the global FMCG giant recently began issuing retrenchment notices to over 400 employees in South Africa as part of a global reorganisation that will see nearly 16,000 roles cut worldwide.

According to reports from last month, at least 100 South African employees have entered severance discussions.