Nestlé has promoted Mark McKenzie to the role of group sales director for its UK and Ireland business.

McKenzie moves across from channel category sales development director for the company's confectionery business.

He joined Nestlé in 2000 after an early career with Coca-Cola and Mars and succeeds Vince Robinson, who has been promoted to president of Nestlé's US sales organisation.

"I'm delighted to be taking on this role in what will be a pivotal year for the industry and our customers," McKenzie said. "My priority in 2011 will be to continue to help drive category growth in each of the varied categories in which Nestlé is present, led by our additional focus on the shopper as we reopen our expanded Insight Centre in the spring."

Nestlé CEO Paul Grimwood added: "Mark has played a key role in the successful growth of our confectionery business in recent years. He has extensive knowledge of the UK retail trade and a great track record. Mark is ideally qualified to lead our group sales organisation and continue to grow Nestlé's business with its UK customers."

McKenzie, who will report to Grimwood, also joins the group board.

In October, Nestlé revealed its UK sales for the nine months to the end of September had been "solid" but warned that the economic climate was still challenging and the market highly competitive, and would continue to remain so in 2011. Sales were up 1.8% for Nescafé, 2.8% for Kit Kat and 10% for Aero. Full-year results are expected later this month.