General Mills UK has named Markus Muehleisen as its new managing director.

Muehleisen takes on the role following six years as MD of General Mills’ business in Australia and New Zealand.

He has worked at the manufacturing giant since 1994, holding marketing roles in snacks and cereals at General Mills Canada until 1996. He then held a number of roles across General Mills’ international business before being appointed country manager for Germany and Austria in 2001.

In September 2006, he became MD for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe before taking the Australasia role. As MD for General Mills UK, Ireland & Nordic, he will be responsible for brands including Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso and Green Giant.

“Over the past five years General Mills has been consistently among the fastest-growing food companies in Australasia, achieved record market shares and delivered strong EBIT growth in one of the toughest trade environments in the world,” said Jon Nudi, president, Europe/Australasia.

“Markus has helped instil a culture that has deep commitment to our people, our customers, and our consumers,” Nudi added.

Muehleisen replaces Jim Moseley, who stepped down after more than 15 years with General Mills in October last year. Scandinavia MD Trevor Callander has been acting as interim managing director.

Last month, General Mills reported a fall in third-quarter sales and profits due to the strong dollar and restructuring costs. Net sales in the 13 weeks ended 22 February fell 1% to $4.35bn (£2.96bn).

Profits for the period, after exceptional costs of $74m, were 16.4% down to $343.2m, compared with $410.6m in the third quarter of 2014.

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