Unilever gives new foods role to Braun

Unilever has appointed Thom Braun, the former director of its global marketing academy, as vice-president marketing capability for foods. He took over the newly created role last week.

Braun, who was previously vice-president oral care, will now be responsible for overseeing marketing activities including sharing best practice and developing marketing skills. He will also seek to encourage staff to increase the range of marketing they use.

He says: “Unilever’s a great marketing company – one of the best in the world. But, one can never be too good and this is an exciting opportunity for me to make sure that Unilever’s marketers are world-class.”

It is not known if has he been replaced in the oral care division.

Braun has been with Unilever for over 21 years, and has held a variety of positions on brands including Persil and Bird’s Eye. He has also worked as a consultant for The Value Engineers.

He has written a number of books on marketing and branding, including “The Philosophy of Branding”, as well as several academic works and novels. He is also an ordained priest in the Church of England.