Biscuit and confectionery giant, Pladis has announced that Jon Eggleton, Managing Director of its operations in the UK & Ireland, has decided to step down from the role to “pursue new opportunities”. He will be replaced by Nick Bunker, with effect from today.
Prior to joining pladis, Bunker was CEO of KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group, where he led the re-structuring of the business and the revitalisation of the brand portfolio through innovation, marketing and reducing complexity. He previously spent 12 years in senior management roles with Kraft including Managing Director Kraft Foods Gulf Cooperation Council GCC region, Managing Director Kraft Foods Czech and Slovak Republics and President of Kraft Foods and Cadbury UK & Ireland.
Bunker will be based at its Hayes office and will lead the “fast-paced strategy of pladis UK&I, accelerating growth in the core McVitie’s, Jacob’s, go ahead! and Godiva brands alongside continued expansion across the adjacent snacking categories of cake, baked snacks and confectionery”.
Bunker commented, “I am thrilled to be joining pladis as I have long admired its portfolio of high quality and well-loved brands, strong market positions and entrepreneurial spirit. I am looking forward to working with the whole pladis team to continue to develop the business and the outstanding opportunities ahead.”
Cem Karakas, global CEO of Pladis, added, “The UK&I is one of our most important markets and I am delighted to welcome Nick Bunker into the business. He is a highly experienced and talented executive who will ensure we achieve on our potential and continue to build upon the wonderful heritage and future opportunities for our delicious brands such as McVitie’s, Jacob’s, go ahead!, Carr’s and Godiva.”