Leaf UK appoints Weetabix man as head of marketing

Confectionery manufacturer Leaf UK, which markets brands such as Chewits and Jolly Rancher, has appointed a marketing director after a six-month search.

Chris Lee-Barber joins from Weetabix, where he is export manager, covering sales and marketing worldwide.

Leaf’s previous marketing director Carolyn Welch quit in November without a job to go to, weeks after the arrival of the new managing director John Aspin.

Since Aspin joined, the company has restructured its sales and marketing department, promoting Kevin Wilkins and Graham Ed-wards to be senior marketing managers for international divisions and sugar respectively.

Earlier this month, Leaf announced the relaunch of the 7m sweet brand Jolly Rancher. The move will be supported by a 2.5m TV and national press campaign through Banks Hoggins O’Shea, which will break in the autumn.

Also last month, Graham Jackson was appointed as research and development director from Mars, where he was technical development manager.

Leaf’s main brands include Chewits, Elizabeth Shaw mints, and LO reduced fat chocolate.

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