Walkers crisp chief returns to US parent

Walkers Snacks marketing director for crisps Mike Munro has left his position to return to US parent company PepsiCo as vice-president for food.

Munro, who joined the UK division in April 2002, has yet to be replaced although an appointment is understood to be imminent. He will be based in Chicago and will be responsible for a number of projects, including the development of the Frito-Lay Better for You range of healthier snacks. He will also be responsible for new product development across the division.

Before moving to the UK, Munro was Frito-Lay vice-president of marketing, and executive director for crisps. He was responsible for launching a new snack packaging format, a plastic can which carries the brand Go. Although it was not brought to the UK, the company has recently launched Walkers Shots, corn snacks that come in a tube for eating with one hand.

Munro’s return to the US is not part of the review of PepsiCo UK, which is being carried out by recently appointed managing director Martin Glenn.

Glenn’s own appointment is part of a restructure of the company’s international businesses, which is being overseen by PepsiCo international chairman and chief executive Mike White.