Private equity business European Capital has appointed Will Carter as chief executive of Whitworths, the supplier of fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Until 2004 Carter worked on the executive board of United Biscuits, both as MD of its KP Snacks business and latterly as MD of the merged KP and McVitie's businesses in the UK.

Since leaving UB he has been running his own company providing strategic consultancy to both trade and private equity clients.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Whitworths at such an exciting time in its growth. Whitworths is playing a key role in meeting consumer desire and demand for more healthy snacking alternatives."

European Capital recently purchased Whitworths from private equity firm Gresham. Whitworths' senior team under Carter is unchanged with the exception of group chief executive David Pratt and group finance director Gary Vicary, who will leave after a transitional period.?