Masterfoods UK, which owns chocolate brands Mars and Galaxy, has promoted David Bell to the newly ­created role of senior sales director for UK snackfood.

Bell, who takes up his new position next month, was previously marketing director for UK snackfood at the company. In his new role, he will be responsible for the major retail accounts, trade marketing, category management and for ­Masterfoods' ice cream business in the UK.

He joined Mars Confectionery as a graduate 18 years ago and has since held a number of management roles in sales and marketing for the company in the UK and internationally.

Michele Oliver will replace Bell as UK snackfood marketing director from next month. Oliver also began her career as a graduate with Mars and has been with the company for 12 years.