KP Snacks lures McVitie’s chief
KP Snacks has appointed Mandy Ferguson as marketing director, following the departure of Nick Canning to News Group Media.
Ferguson will oversee marketing for KP crisps and snacks brands including Hula Hoops and Skips. She starts her new job on July 31, and will report to managing director Will Carter.
Ferguson was previously business group controller at McVitie’s, which, like KP, is part of United Biscuits.
She joined McVitie’s in 1993 as general marketing manager, with responsibility for brands such as Digestive, Homewheat and Rich Tea.
In 1997 she became projects director, working on strategic business projects, then became business group controller.
Canning is now marketing director at News Group Media, with responsibility for The Sun, News of the World and online brands Page3.com and Footballfc.com. He has replaced Ellis Watson, who was general manager of The Sun’s Internet service provider Bun.com and before that marketing director of The Sun and News of the World.
Carter says: “Ferguson possesses a rare combination of top-flight marketing skills, sales experience and strategic planning credentials, which will prove valuable in driving the business forward.”
KP is also launching a £2m marketing package for Hula Hoops, including stronger flavour, on-pack promotions, redesigned packaging and new TV ads featuring brand character Hoopy McHula.
