Heinz picks frozen and chilled foods marketer

Heinz has promoted Steve Turner to the new position of general manager for Heinz Frozen & Chilled Foods. The post includes responsibility for marketing.

Turner has been at Heinz for more than nine years, most recently as general manager for ketchup, condiments and sauces. A replacement has yet to be named. He has also had a number of strategy development roles, and has worked in manufacturing and product development.

He will have responsibility for several new brands, including Main Street Bistro and the Deeply Delicious cheesecake range. Main Street Bistro launched earlier this year. It was backed by a £7m marketing spend with advertising by Bates (MW March 7). The brand is unusual because it uses no Heinz branding in its advertising or packaging. Deeply Delicious went on sale two months later. It was also backed by a £7m marketing push.

Turner says: “I’ll be looking at ways of unlocking Heinz’s full potential in frozen food and creating significant growth. In frozen desserts, we’ll be building on the success of the Heinz Deeply Delicious cheesecake range. I intend to increase the pace of innovation in this sector.”

Heinz has been restructuring its business. In the UK it comprises frozen & chilled; babyfood; John West; ketchup, sauces and condiments; and quick-serve meals. Last year, Heinz created a similar role for its babyfood business. It appointed Clodagh Ward, who was previously a category manager for the company.