Wright quits Unilever and Birds Eye

Jerry Wright, the brand director of Birds Eye, is leaving Unilever after also deciding not to move with frozen-food brand following its sale to private equity firm Permira earlier this year. It is not clear if he has a job to go to.

It was thought that Wright would move to a new role at Unilever but it is understood he is now seeking other opportunities.

The news comes as the brand reappoints MindShare to handle its £12m media planning and buying. The agency already handled the account as part of the Unilever media business but the new management team, headed by former Walkers Snacks president Martin Glenn, has decided to retain the agency. It did not hold a competitive pitch.

Wright, a long-term Unilever marketer, had been in the role since June 2003. He has overseen a major overhaul of the brand including removing artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives from products and reducing salt levels. He also launched an advertising strategy focusing on the nutritional benefits of frozen foods.