Former Kraft chief quits Barilla post after a week

Former head of confectionery marketing at Kraft Jacobs Suchard Dean Sanders – who left to become European marketing director at top European food company Barilla – has left his new job after only a week.

Sanders started his new job at the family-owned pasta and biscuit manufacturer’s headquarters in Parma, Italy (MW September 6), but left suddenly for unknown reasons.

He is believed to be considering other job options, but was unavailable for comment as Marketing Week went to press.

Sanders was due to take responsibility for marketing in all European countries except Italy, and would have reported to John Karakadas, director for the Europe. Karakadas refused to comment.

Barilla is Italy’s biggest pasta manufacturer and markets the company’s branded products, and a variety of local brands, in more than 100 countries. The brand is the market leader in Italy with about 34 per cent. It also leads in Europe with an average of about 23 per cent share.

Last year, the company brought in Edwin Artzt, former chairman and chief executive of Procter & Gamble, to help Barilla introduce everyday low pricing in Italy and steer its growth in the global market.

While Sanders was marketing controller at Terry’s Suchard, he reported to general manager Alex von Behr and worked on brands such as Terry’s All Gold, Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Dime Bar.