Sara Lee shuffle ushers in new marketing chief

Sara Lee Household & Body Care has promoted marketing director Caroline Clarke to UK president and managing director.

Clarke replaces Ton Van Bilsen, who has been promoted to regional vice-president, with responsibility for Asian markets. She has been with the company since 1988 and begins her new role next month.

International category manager Julie Baker takes over the marketing director’s role and will report to Clarke.

Clarke says: “Unlike most other companies, we have a low staff turnover in the marketing department and have a good track record of internal promotions and personal development.”

Sara Lee Household & Body Care forms part of the US-based Sara Lee Corporation, which manufactures and markets household products, underwear and food and beverages.

The Household & Body Care division markets global Sara Lee brands such as Ambi-Pur, Kiwi and Sanex, and local brands, such as Radox and Brylcreem.

The company claims to have become the number one branded washing and bathing manufacturer in the UK with a 17.4 per cent share in what it deems as”an otherwise static market”.