Rowntree appoints Coke chief to top marketing role

Coca-Cola Great Britain marketing director Andrew Harrison has unexpectedly quit the soft drinks giant to join Nestlé Rowntree.

Harrison has been replaced by Coke’s Australia-based marketing director for the South Pacific region, Charlotte Oades. Oades, who is British, was formerly global brand director for Sprite.

Harrison leaves Coke after two years to become marketing director of Nestlé’s York-based confectionery division. During his time at Coke, Harrison presided over a ten per cent jump in UK volume sales.

At Nestlé, Harrison replaces Kees Langerak, who has been promoted to vice-president of marketing for confectionery in Europe.

Harrison will be based in York. He starts his new role in July reporting to Nestlé Rowntree managing director Alastair Sykes.

Harrison will be responsible for Nestlé Rowntree’s £35m annual advertising spend, which includes brands such as Kit Kat, Rolo and Toffee Crisp.

Harrison was previously a marketing director at Procter & Gamble, where he oversaw haircare products such as Pantène and Wash & Go.

Sykes says: “Harrison is highly regarded in the industry. He is the right person to aggressively develop our marketing programme.”

Harrison adds: “I feel like a kid in a sweet shop. Nestlé Rowntree has a lovely collection of brands.

“This is another opportunity to build my career managing top brands and gives me a chance to return to the North. I’m leaving Coke in good shape. It has successfully integrated the Schweppes brands.”