Premier Foods group chief to join Cadbury Schweppes

Premier International Foods group marketing director Andrew Baker has quit the company to join Cadbury Schweppes as director of marketing and commercial strategies of developing markets.

Baker, who oversaw Typhoo Tea and Horizon Biscuits brands, including Cadbury’s Fingers, is understood to be leaving Premier this week.

His new role will involve developing Cadbury Schweppes’ business in South Asia, India, the Middle East and Africa. It is unclear who Baker will report to.

A Cadbury Schweppes spokeswoman says: “Baker will direct commercial strategy for our various businesses in this region.”

A spokesman for Premier International Foods says: “We can confirm that group marketing director Andrew Baker is leaving the company to take up a senior appointment at Cadbury Schweppes.”

Baker took up the position at Premier International Foods following the takeover of parent company Hillsdown Holdings last year by US venture capitalist firm Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst.

He had previously worked as Premier’s overseas marketing manager before leaving to run his own company in Europe.

Baker appointed Mother to Typhoo’s &£8m above-the-line account at the start of this year. The business was previously held by Delaney Lund Knox Warren.

Mother created Indian plantation owner Tommy Singh as a new brand character for Typhoo.