Bisto appoints marketing chief

Sue Knight has been appointed director of marketing at Centura Foods division Bisto Foods.

Knight succeeds Ian Ayling, who quit last year to become marketing director of Ranks Hovis MacDougall’s Manor Bakeries. Ayling took up the Manor Bakeries role after Andrew Brown was promoted to replace retiring managing director Gordon Plews.

Knight was previously marketing director of Centura’s Sharwood’s sauces.

The Sharwood’s post has been filled by former Bisto marketing manager Jonathan Gatward, who was previously based at Centura’s office in Middlewich, Cheshire.

In June, Centura set up an innovation unit encompassing marketing for Bisto Foods, James Robertson – which includes Golden Shred and Frank Cooper marmalades – and JA Sharwood. The unit is overseen by brands director Ginny Knox.

Saatchi & Saatchi handles the £2.4m Bisto account, which includes Saxa Salt and Paxo Stuffings.

TBWA GGT Simons Palmer works on the £2.4m Sharwood’s account and last month won the £500,000 Robertson’s account after a pitch against Saatchi and the Advertising Brasserie.