Heinz hires sauce relaunch supremo

Heinz has appointed Clodagh Ward as general manager of its condiment sauces range, completing the restructure of its European sauces division.

Ward, who has been promoted to the new role, was previously UK condiments and spreads manager. She takes on pan-European responsibility for the sector and will have a lead role in the relaunch of category-leading Heinz Salad Cream across Europe.

Last year, Heinz announced it was considering axing the brand amid plummeting sales.

Heinz Salad Cream will be the subject of a £10m global campaign targeting younger consumers. The drive will be funded by a retail price hike, with the cost of a 285g bottle expected to rise from 59p to 99p.

Ward, who will also be responsible for sandwich spreads, pickles and relishes, will work alongside Giannetto Michelass, general manager for European sauces, and Jacques Meert, general manager for cooking sauces. Both were also appointed during the restructure.

Ward will report to Heinz’s European grocery category director Stefan Barden.

Barden says: “Heinz Salad Cream has a long-term future. Clodagh is ideally suited to drive the brand and the sector it dominates, and her appointment completes our new European team.”

Heinz announced earlier this month that it is to market its Linda McCartney vegetarian food range globally, after buying United Biscuits’ (UB) frozen and chilled division last year.

Former UB frozen and chilled division finance director David Meltham has become temporary managing director of the Linda McCartney range following the departure of divisional manager for vegetarian foods, Neil Gillis.

The position of managing director for the Linda McCartney range is under review.