Philadelphia brand chief lands Kraft Australia role

Kraft Foods has promoted Paul Watmore, European marketing chief for its Philadelphia brand, to marketing director for Australia and New Zealand.

It is not known if someone has been appointed to replace Watmore as head of marketing for the soft cheese brand. Watmore takes up his new role, which involves marketing across the Kraft portfolio within the region, on September 22.

Watmore has held a range of sales and marketing positions at Kraft, including Philadelphia UK marketing manager and business development manager for cheese and grocery. He also worked at Mars Confectionery, now known as Masterfoods.

Kraft Foods is the world’s second-largest food company. In July it announced plans to cap portion sizes, stop marketing in schools and introduce guidelines on advertising to children (MW July 10). It was also the first food company to take a step towards introducing a healthy eating initiative. The threat of legal action and falling profits is forcing many food companies to re-examine their products.

Fast-food chain McDonald’s, for example, has introduce healthy alternatives.

The company is owned by tobacco company Altria, formerly Philip Morris. It also owns the Dairylea and Maxwell House brands in the UK.