Go on, lad: Hovis ad mastermind Goldstone exits Premier

Premier Foods’ group marketing director, Jon Goldstone, is to leave the company following Premier’s decision to consolidate the marketing division into its broader commercial structure.

The marketing function will now be led by Iwan Williams, MD of grocery and bakery.

Premier said Williams and Goldstone had worked closely together to develop the company’s Power Brands strategy, which will see £50m ploughed into marketing eight key brands.

But they concluded that a “more integrated approach” to marketing was needed to support the company’s strategy.

Following the development, Goldstone informed Premier of his plans to seek senior marketing opportunities outside the business. He will leave later this month.

“Jon has made an outstanding contribution over the four years that he has been with the company, leading our marketing strategy for Hovis before taking on the role of group marketing director,” said Williams.

“He has been responsible for some excellent marketing campaigns, including the award-winning ‘Go on, lad’ Hovis commercial.”

The news comes as chief executive Michael Clarke continues to re-shape the senior management team of the debt-laden conglomerate. He brought in Ian Deste as group sales director to replace Ian York, while Williams, who was Premier’s bakery boss, was given a wider remit to oversee grocery as well.

Last month Premier announced plans to cut 600 jobs – about 5% of its 12,000 strong workforce – to free up funds for the company’s recovery plan.