Palmer & Harvey has appointed Jez Pegg to the new role of sales and marketing director.

The former sales director of New Zealand company Fonterra and, most recently, client director of Reach UK, takes up the role which had formed part of the remit of managing director Martyn Ward.

Pegg has also worked for P&G, Unilever, Nestlé and Brakes Group, giving him a wider range of experience from grocery to foodservice and he has experience of small independents as well as grocery multiples.

Pegg said he was delighted to be assuming his new role at what was a “pivotal time of change, both for our business and that of the whole sector”.

He said he had inherited a very experienced and dedicated sales and marketing team.

“I am looking forward to working with them and the rest of the Palmer & Harvey board as we sharpen our customer proposition, whilst improving the service we give.

Ward said: “Jez has a proven track record in building solid customer relationships and attracting new business. His experience across all customer channels in the UK retail market will be of great value to Palmer and Harvey as we continue to serve the UK’s retailers.”