Britvic picks carbonates director

Britvic has appointed a director of carbonates to oversee the marketing of brands such as Pepsi and Tango.

David Graham will join the soft drinks manufacturer and distributor from Whitbread-owned restaurant chain TGI Friday, where he is currently marketing and commercial director.

Graham, who will report to marketing director Andrew Marsden, will start in the newly-created role in November. Other brands in his care include 7-Up, Red Card, Mountain Dew, R Whites and Britvic mixers.

He was previously marketing manager for Whitbread brand Heineken, where he launched Heineken Export, as well as brand manager for Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Britvic recently appointed Jennie Ayres from Bass Brewers as director of still drinks. She is responsible for brands such as Robinsons, Ballygowan and Britvic juices and also reports to Marsden.

The marketing department was split into carbonate and still divisions earlier this year, following Marsden’s appointment.

The company is now looking for a marketing manager for flavoured carbonates, following David Atter’s announcement that he is moving to the Turner Entertainment Network.

Britvic is the second biggest player in the 6.7bn UK soft drinks market, with a 20.6 per cent volume share, compared with Coca-Cola Schweppes Beverage’s (CCSB’s) 24.8 per cent share (1996 Canadean figures).