Braes boss takes reins at Patak’s

Patak’s, the Indian food company, has appointed Fiona Mannion as marketing director. Her appointment follows a four-month search.

Mannion joins from natural foods supplier The Braes Group, where she was group marketing director. Her role was created after Patak’s sales and marketing director Alison Cannon left to become Grampian Country Foods’ first marketing director, ahead of the launch of a branded chicken range (MW July 4). Following Cannon’s departure, the company decided to split the marketing and sales roles. Jonathan Bye was appointed group director sales earlier this year.

Before working for The Braes Group, Mannion held the post of marketing director for retail and foodservice at spice manufacturer and distributor McCormick, the owner of the Schwartz brand. Mannion worked there for more than ten years, but before that she also worked in sales and marketing positions for Alberto Culver, Allied Lyons and Wella.

Patak’s is run by chairman Kirit Pathak and co-director and wife Meena. Kirit’s father, LG Pathak, set up the business 25 years ago. Patak’s products are available in more than 40 countries and the range includes chutneys, cooking sauces and breads. Its newest range, Premium, launched in October 2002 and is an Indian fusion range with flavours such as such as Saffron Tikka Masala, Orange Zest Korma, and Indian Beer and Mushroom Balti.

Patak’s has used Mitchell Patterson Grime Mitchell for advertising since 1997. Mediahead Communications handles media.