Del Monte marketing boss goes

Del Monte’s European marketing director Gerry Roads has left the company in the middle of a review of its creative and media buying accounts.

He resigned and left last Friday with no job to go to, after occupying the position since March last year. He had been promoted from UK general manager.

Roads’ departure comes before an expected restructuring at the company when it completes a 10.5m deal to buy the Just Juice, De L’Ora, Energen and One-Cal brands from RHM Foods later this month.

A spokeswoman for Del Monte comments: “He wants to move on and is now looking for new challenges.”

Del Monte is expected to make a decision on the review of its multi- million pound pan-European creative account held by Young & Rubicam.

Media incumbent Mediapolis has been knocked off the buying shortlist, leaving Initiative Media and CIA Medianetwork.

According to AC Nielsen-MEAL, the company spent 1.85m advertising its canned fruit in the year that ended September 30.