New boss for Pillsbury UK and Ireland

Pillsbury UK and Ireland has appointed a marketing director, Jim Reynolds, to head international brands after a seven-month search.

Reynolds, The Pillsbury Corporation director brand strategy and brand development in the US, takes up the role in middle of the month.

Pillsbury UK managing director Martin Jamieson has been searching for a marketing director since Dominic Harrison quit to become Bass Beers Worldwide marketing director in March (MW January 24).

Marketing managers Kathy Hogg, who handles Old El Paso and Pillsbury brands, and Kerry Pettit, with responsibility for Häagen-Dazs and Green Giant, will report to Reynolds. UK-only brand Jus-Rol remains separate with a dedicated sales and marketing director, Jo Weston.

Reynolds has been with Pillsbury for the last year, and before that he was IBM international brand manager, personal communication products, in the US.

He moves to the UK as Pillsbury launches its first brand extension since the relaunch of the brand in this country a year ago. The three sweet variants of Toaster Pockets – strawberry, apple and chocolate and nut – will be supported by an advertising campaign from Lowe Howard-Spink which breaks this month.

Harry Enfield will continue to star in the savoury Toaster Pocket ads until the end of the year.