Premier Foods appoints head of marketing

Premier International Foods has appointed Ivor Harrison as group marketing director following the departure of Andrew Baker.

Harrison was previously business development director at drinks company Cott Beverages, a North American company which launched energy cola brand Edge last year. It was already involved in the sector, making Blue Charge exclusively for Asda, and Red Rooster for Sainsbury’s.

It is understood Harrison will oversee Typhoo Tea and Horizon Biscuit brands, which include Cadbury’s Fingers.

Premier is owned by venture capitalist Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, which recently bought rivals Burton’s Biscuits. The two companies are set to merge and the marketing departments will integrate. It is understood Tony Camp, marketing director for the joint biscuit operation, will report to Harrison.

Baker quit last year (MW August 17) to join Cadbury Schweppes as director of marketing and commercial strategies of developing markets.