Jim Molesley

Jim Moseley

Former General Mills boss Jim Moseley has been appointed MD of Branston owner Mizkan Euro.

Moseley will join the company, which is the European subsidiary of privately owned Japanese business Mizkan, next Monday (28 September). He replaces outgoing MD Paul Shanahan, who has been with Mizkan Euro for just over three years.

Moseley worked at General Mills for 15 years, latterly as vice president and managing director for the UK, Ireland & Nordic markets. Before joining General Mills, Moseley held senior commercial and marketing positions at Tulip Foods and Wander Foods. Most recently, Moseley fulfilled a six-month interim position as director general of the Food & Drink Federation.

Mizkan Euro said Moseley’s “extensive and diverse experience” of the food industry and the markets in which the supplier operates would support its efforts to establish and grow its UK business. Mizkan acquired the Sarson’s and Haywards pickle brands from Premier Foods in July 2012 for £41m, and Premier’s sweet pickles and table sauces business, which included Branston, for £92.5m five months later.

Mizkan Euro vice chairman Chikara Tanaka said: “I am delighted Jim Moseley has decided to join us during an exciting phase of innovation and development for us. I am confident he will prove to be highly effective in leading the Mizkan Euro business onwards through its next stage of growth.”

Tanaka added Shanahan had been instrumental in leading the Mizkan Euro business from a UK start-up in 2012 to its current position of “stable commercial and supply chain operations, with a progressive growth agenda”.

“Paul’s unique style and personality will be missed throughout the business,” he said. “We wish him luck with his chosen career move back to Ireland to re-join his family.”

Parent company Mizkan describes itself as the number one sushi seasoning supplier in the world.