Cereal maker Weetabix has hired Gareth Turner as its new Head of Brand as part of a wider investment in its marketing team.
Turner has over 21 years’ experience working within the food and drink sector. Prior to joining Weetabix, he was Head of Brand Operations (Europe) for Arla Foods, where he spent seven years and led several brands to significant growth. Before that, Turner spent 14 years at Heineken UK. He replaces Phil Pick who held the position on an interim basis.
As part of his role, Turner will lead the next phase of growth for the Weetabix brand, involving more than £10m of investment in its ‘Have You Had Your Weetabix’ brand idea; and ‘Any-Which-Way-A-Bix’ versatility campaign which continues through 2019.
The company’s marketing team has been further bolstered by the return from maternity leave of both Weetabix Senior Brand Manager, Charlotte Hunt and Head of Innovation, Claire Canty. Weetabix has also recently invested in its marketing capability providing bespoke training to “breathe new life into the ‘Weetabix Way’ of growing its brands”.
Francesca Theokli, Marketing Director of Weetabix Food Company UK & Ireland, said: “Gareth’s passion for marketing well-loved famous food brands, coupled with his experience and ambition for business growth makes him the ideal appointment within our talented marketing leadership team.”
Turner added: “Like millions of people around the UK, Weetabix is in my kitchen cupboard and loved by my family. The opportunity to lead the marketing of the Weetabix brand and take it to the next level, is an honour.”
