Leaf chief quits after nine months

John Aspin, managing director of confectionery manufacturer Leaf UK, has resigned after nine months in the job.

Aspin was promoted to the top role from his position as vice-president operations Europe. He moves to McCormick Foods, where he will also be vice-president operations Europe.

In the UK, McCormick Foods comprises the Schwartz division, which manufactures herbs, spices and sauce mixes and Noel’s, which packages garnishes such as capers and olives.

No one from Leaf would comment on the move, but it is believed a successor to Aspin has yet to be appointed.

One of Aspin’s final moves before quitting was to appoint Chris Lee-Barber from Weetabix to the position of marketing director. Lee-Barber joins the company in August. At Weetabix he was export manager.

Leaf produces Chewits, Elizabeth Shaw, Jolly Rancher and Lo Go, one of the first low-calorie chocolate countline bars to hit the market. It has recently relaunched its Fizzy Chewits and Jolly Rancher brands with new advertising from Banks Hoggins O’Shea.

Leaf is part of international food company Huhtamaki, which is based in Finland.