Wholesale giant Palmer & Harvey has appointed Martyn Ward as its new sales and commercial director.

Ward (pictured) starts on Monday and replaces commercial director Peter Austen, who last month announced his intention to leave the wholesaler. The role has been extended as former sales director Paul Hagon moves to a new role of group strategy and development director.

Ward was most recently MD for Northern Europe at Durex maker SSL International, which was bought by Reckitt Benckiser last year. Before joining SSL he was commercial director at Alliance Unichem, Ward’s career also stints at Courage Beer Co, where he was marketing and exclusive label director, as well as Spillers Foods and Kellogg’s.

“I’m looking forward to working for such a well regarded business and really want to communicate the quality of the Palmer & Harvey offer,” said Ward.

“It’s a pivotal time for the commercial team as we look to increase sales and part of my remit will be to focus our teams on enthusing our customers and suppliers, to further strengthen these valuable relationships.”

Chief executive Chris Etherington added: “Martyn has fantastic wholesale experience with a background across all our major sales channels. His addition to the team gives us an ideal platform to drive our offer and bring an even greater focus to our business going forward.”

Read more
Commercial MD Austen bows out of P&H (4 June 2011)
The Grocer Power 100 (21 May 2011)