Allied Domecq loses UK head of marketing

Allied Domecq has lost its UK marketing chief, Cathryn Sleight: a second high-profile departure from the drinks company following chief marketing officer Kim Manley’s suspension and ensuing resignation last year.

Sleight left soon after Manley, but has stepped down for “personal reasons”. It is not thought that she has a job to go to. According to a company spokesman, her departure is not related in any way to Manley’s.

Manley, who reported to chief executive Philip Bowman, was suspended after an investigation into his “personal conduct” and his “relationship with suppliers”. He resigned without compensation in early December. Senior vice-president for marketing Simon Stewart is overseeing the company’s marketing activities (MW December 9, 2004).

Allied Domecq has yet to replace Sleight, who joined the company in 2001 after being poached from Britvic Soft Drinks (MW October 25, 2001). At Britvic , she was director of brand marketing with responsibility for the Pepsi, Tango and Robinson’s brands.

Publicis handles advertising for Allied Domecq, whose brands include Malibu, Tia Maria and Perrier Jouet. The media planning and buying business is held by Zenith Optimedia.