Del Monte's new owner Cirio has picked Stephen Thorpe for the top job of md, Northern Europe, for the new Cirio Del Monte Group. Former md Ed Petrie, who recently moved to the UK from South Africa, becomes md for commercial operations, Africa, based at the Staines offices. Thorpe's role will focus on Italian food manufacturer Cirio's and Del Monte's key branded markets of the UK and Scandinavia. He will also take on corporate brand development responsibility for Del Monte across Europe in terms of advertising and new product development. Cirio is to expand distribution and introduce new products in the UK under both the Del Monte and Cirio brands. Thorpe said: "The new shareholding situation allows us to move forward positively. I am excited about these two separate but similar brands. We have an exciting future with planned new product development and marketing initiatives." Two key marketing director positions reporting into Stephen will be held by Rod Groundes-Peace for Del Monte and Helen King for Cirio. {{NEWS }}

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