Campbell’s hires Colman’s chief

NEWS

Campbell’s has picked Colman’s of Norwich marketing director Alison Levett to take on the same role at the world’s largest soup company.

Levett replaces Peter Scott, who has become sales and marketing director at Campbell’s food service group, Stratford-upon-Avon Foods (MW April 7).

Levett is the highest profile name to leave the Colman’s food business since it was purchased by Unilever’s Van den Bergh Foods in May. Britvic Soft Drinks was bought by the Robinson’s drinks part of the business at the same time.

Van den Bergh says it is too early to say how Levett’s role will be filled.

Since Colman’s purchase, it has now been confirmed that there will be a maximum of 170 job losses at the company. About 90 of the employees affected will be offered the chance to relocate to Van den Bergh and Britvic’s head offices.

Since Heinz’s decision to go below the line last year, the other main soup brands have increased their ad spends. Campbell’s has risen by 33 per cent to about 2.5m (Register-MEAL), through Saatchi & Saatchi. Other products in the Campbell’s range include Hot Doggers and the Fray Bentos brand.

David Milner, Mars national accounts controller for ice cream brands, is also joining Campbell’s as its new sales director. He replaces Kevin Mills, who left some months ago to join Pepsi.