Burger King axes UK marketing director job

Burger King is axing the role of UK marketing director, leaving incumbent Samantha Smith looking for another job within the fast-food company’s owner Grand Metropolitan.

Burger King is now recreating the role of UK marketing manager, which Smith held prior to her promotion to marketing director in May.

She joined after a period as a consultant and was previously marketing manager at rival chain McDonald’s.

Smith was promoted following the appointment of Chris Smith as general manager UK and John Prior to the role of marketing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Chris Smith’s role was a new one within the UK company, while Prior replaced Keith Snelgrove who left Burger King following a disagreement over strategy late last year (MW December 8 1995).

Burger King says the need for a UK marketing director was seen to diminish following the appointment of Chris Smith. There are no marketing directors in other European countries.

Until a new marketing manager is found, Chris Smith will take responsibility for UK marketing. The company says it is looking both inside and outside the business for candidates to fill the post.

Burger King says there are no other changes and the ad account held by D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles is unaffected.