Kellogg promotes UK chief

Kellogg commercial director Mark Sims has been promoted from his UK post to managing director of the Mediterranean region.

The news comes as Kellogg, which has had to implement sweeping cost-cutting plans, undergoes another upheaval on this side of the Atlantic.

It was reported this week that Jean-Louis Gourbin, president of Kellogg Europe, left his post after just six months to become president at Groupe Danone’s biscuit operation. Alan Harris, president of Kellogg Latin America, will succeed Gourbin.

Sims’ role within Kellogg was the subject of speculation after the arrival of Gourbin and the sudden departure of the UK and Ireland managing director Tim Mobsby (MW November 5 1998). Industry sources suggested he would be offered an alternative post.

It is understood that Sims’ new role will cover Italy, as part of the Mediterranean region.

Sims has had experience of sales and marketing in Italy and Japan during his career at Kellogg, which started in the UK sales division in 1981. He transferred to marketing in 1985 and, after a variety of posts, was appointed marketing director in the UK and Ireland three years ago, before his elevation to commercial director.