Kettle Chips and Refreshers owner names former Müller marketing boss as first CMO
Michael Inpong joins Valeo UK, which owns well-known confectionary brands including Fox’s and Refreshers, in the newly created chief marketing officer role.
Valeo Foods UK, the owner of brands including Kettle Chips, Rowse honey and Fox’s glacier sweets, has appointed former Müller UK and Ireland CMO Michael Inpong as its top marketer.
Inpong is the first chief marketing officer at the business, which is part of a worldwide group created by acquisitions over the last 13 years. The business also owns snack and confectionery brands including Wham, Refreshers, Fruit Salad, and Poppets.
At world a global level, revenues at Valeo Foods have increased five-fold to approximately €1.2bn (£1.03bn) since it was formed in 2010. In the UK, Valeo’s sales are approximately €588m (£511m). The creation of the CMO role comes as the company creates a single leadership team across all aspects of the business. Valeo is private-equity backed, owned by Bain Capital.
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Before his appointment to his new role, Inpong was managing director at Sport&Brands, a brand strategy consultancy he set up. He is an experienced FMCG marketing leader, having previously spent time at Müller, Nestlé, P&G and L’Oréal.
He served on the board of Müller during his almost decade-long tenure at the company. During his time as global CMO at the business, he was credited with playing a crucial role in reviving Müller’s brand portfolio in the UK, initiating an innovation drive that saw the company take the top spot in the yogurt and chilled desserts category from rival Danone in 2013.
At Nestlé he was also on the board, and spent almost five years as marketing director at the business. He started his career in marketing at P&G followed by L’Oréal.
Inpong is also a fellow of both the Marketing Academy and Marketing Society. He’s is a trustee for the charity Take Her Lead, which supports women and girls in cricket.
