Premier Foods has confirmed that its group finance director Paul Thomas will be leaving the company on 31 August. He has worked at Premier Foods since June 2002. A successor would be announced in due course, the company said.

Henry Cator has been named chairman of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. He replaces Hugh Oliver-Bellasis who has unexpectedly quit the role.

The Portman Group has named Seymour Fortescue as its first external chairman. Fortescue, who was CEO of the Banking Code Standards Board for seven years, will provide independent leadership on marketing and social responsibility standards for drinks producers in his new role.

The Authentic Food Company has appointed Neil Milbery as business development controller. Milbery has 22 years' experience in the foodservice industry and joins Authentic from M&J Seafood, a division of Brakes, where he managed the pub and restaurant channel. The company has also appointed Sarah Sanders as graduate sales executive.

Gin and vodka distiller G&J Greenall has appointed Scott Watson as MD.

Meelis Reidla has been appointed country division head for the consumer care division of Bayer. Reidla, who was previously strategic business unit leader for nutritionals, will lead the OTC portfolio, which includes Rennie, Canesten, Berocca and Feminax.

Chiquita Brands International has named Michael Sims as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Sims, who is vice president of corporate development and treasurer, replaces Jeffrey Zalla who leaves to pursue a new business venture.

Joan Amat is the new chair of Institut del Cava in Spain, replacing Magí Raventós. He was previously CEO and general manager of the Raventós i Blanc Winery and has worked for the Codorniu Group.

Karen Connell, the former global marketing director for Virgin Drinks, has joined 1HQ as head of client development. She has also worked for Coca-Cola, Cadbury Schweppes, United Biscuits and GlaxoSmithKline.