Burger King appoints new head after Joseph’s sudden departure

Burger King has appointed Paul Reynish as head of marketing for Burger King UK and Ireland, following the abrupt departure of marketing director Anna Joseph after just three months (MW December 19, 2002). He is the third marketing chief at the fast-food retailer in as many years.

Although Reynish’s job title differs from Joseph’s, who was marketing director, Burger King denies there is any difference in the role. A spokeswoman for the company says the position carries the same responsibilities and job description, and Reynish will also sit on the UK executive committee.

Previously senior marketing manager at Burger King, Reynish has worked with the brand for seven years. Before working at Burger King UK and Ireland, he was national marketing manager for the company in Australia/New Zealand, and, in 1994, he worked on the launch of Burger King in the region. Before joining the fast-food chain, Reynish worked in advertising.

Joseph left to take up a position with freelance consultancy Eden McCallum, although sources close to the company say that her departure, which followed a three-month review, came about as a result of her being “unhappy” at Burger King.

Last month, the fast-food chain was finally sold by parent Diageo Group to a venture capital consortium. For the six months ending December 31, operating profit for Burger King worldwide was 20 per cent down from $114m (&£71m) year on year.