UB appoints cider boss to McVitie’s role

United Biscuits (UB) UK has appointed former Bulmers marketing controller for beer and cider Sarah Heynen as brand director for the McVitie’s portfolio.

Her appointment comes just a week after it was revealed that former Bulmers group marketing director Jon Eggleton had scooped the top marketing job at the biscuit giant (MW last week).

Heynen will report to UK snacks marketing director Mandy Ferguson, who was promoted to the role following a recent restructure of the company. Ferguson oversees the McVitie’s portfolio, which includes the HobNobs brand and the recently launched McV A:M breakfast range.

It is understood that Heynen left Bulmers after owner Scottish & Newcastle, which acquired the company in April, announced plans to transfer the department to Edinburgh from Hereford. It also asked the team to reapply for their positions. Eggleton’s role at Bulmers was axed as part of the restructure.

Heynen was promoted to marketing controller for cider and beers last November, filling the post left by Andrew Carter, but she had been with the company since 1997. She was head of innovation and her promotion signalled the end of an aggressive period of product development for the company (MW November 28, 2002).