Colgate hires head of UK operations

Colgate-Palmolive has appointed Nigel Burton, head of its Spanish operations, as general manager for the UK.

Burton replaces Karen Guerra who left in August to take up the same position at the company’s office in France. She went with her husband, Fernando Guerra, who was managing director of New Zealand Milk, the owner of the Anchor brand. She had been with the company for ten years, and spent four years as marketing director.

The current marketing director is Ric Lovell.

Colgate refused to give details of Burton’s background, but it is understood that he has been with the company for some time.

Colgate-Palmolive has an annual advertising spend of about &£16m in the UK. It uses the Young & Rubicam network globally for its advertising, and Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R in the UK.

Its products include Colgate toothbrushes and toothpaste, the Palmolive range of shampoos, shaving foams and soaps and Soft & Gentle Anti-Perspirant.