Sacla appoints Coke executive as first sales and marketing director

Italian pasta sauce and pesto brand Sacla has appointed Coca-Cola marketer Rob Sutton to the new role of sales and marketing director.

Sutton, who joined the company last week, will be responsible for the sales focus behind the brand’s forthcoming campaign. Sacla is due to return to television advertising in January, with the focus on the quality and authenticity of its products.

Sutton’s appointment follows a review of the brand’s marketing and advertising by UK managing director Clare Blampied. The company has appointed Banc to develop a global positioning and communications strategy (MW October 14) and Starcom Motive to handle media planning and buying (MW October 21).

Sutton joins from Coca-Cola, where he was channel marketing controller for a number of channels including food service, catering and the licensing trade. Before joining Coke, he was customer marketing controller at Kerry Foods.

Sacla’s marketing has been overseen by Blampied in recent years – the brand has not had a dedicated marketer since 2002. Sutton’s appointment represents the first time the company has combined sales and marketing responsibilities.

Sacla is a family-run company, set up in 1939 by the Ercole family. The UK export subsidiary was the company’s first overseas operation when it opened in 1991.