Mars Food UK has promoted UK food sales director Emma Evison to managing director.

Evison takes over the role from Rob Hughes, who has retired. She joined Mars in 1994 and has since held a number of roles across the company's pet care, chocolate and food divisions in both the UK and Europe. Her most recent roles were UK food finance director and UK food sales director.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to taking the reins of the food business," she said. "We have some of the most iconic food brands in the world and I am excited about writing the next chapters of our successful food story with my team, to continue delivering sustainable healthy food that combines great taste with good nutrition."

Tristan Butt replaces Evison in the UK food sales director role. He joins from Kerry Foods, where he was the youngest brands sales director in the company's history. At Kerry, he was responsible for Richmond and Wall's Sausages, Kerry Low Low, Mattessons Fridge Raiders and Cheestrings. He has also worked for Unilever and L'Oréal in various customer development roles.

"I am delighted to be joining the Mars Food business," Butt said. "I am looking forward to the prospect of working with some of the world's favourite global brands and a team of people who have created an established enviable culture."

Hughes was a Mars veteran. His early career was spent in sales in the pet care division before moving to the Mars UK food business, where he was marketing director before becoming MD.