Organic baby food company Plum has announced the appointment of Patrick Cairns as its new CEO.

Following a 15-year career at Unilever, Cairns has spent the past year advising private equity and venture capital businesses on consumer brands.

As European brand director for Lynx, Cairns was at the centre of the relaunch of Axe/Lynx male toiletries and was responsible for developing the successful Lynx Effect campaign. He went on to lead a major global relaunch of the soap brand Lux during his role as global brand director and his most recent role was as vice-president of Unilever's European hair-care division.

"Plum is one of the most exciting up-and-coming food brands and is transforming the babyfood category," said Cairns.

The move coincides with investment in the company, formerly known as Plum Baby, by Noble Fund Managers, which will take a significant minority stake.

Susie Willis, founder of Plum will continue to drive the innovation behind the brand as creative director.