David Woodward has been appointed president of Heinz UK and Ireland, replacing Jane Miller, who last month said that she would be stepping down from the role at the end of this month for personal reasons (The Grocer, April 22, p12).

Woodward takes up his new role on June 26.

He joins Heinz from Procter & Gamble, where he was sales director for the UK and Ireland. Prior to P&G he was vice president of customer strategy and innovation for Gillette Group International in Europe. He has also worked for Coca-Cola Enterprises in the UK.

Woodward said: "I am excited about the opportunity to lead a business with so much potential and with such a strong portfolio that can be leveraged to fuel growth and innovation."

Scott O'Hara, executive vice president, HJ Heinz Company, and president and chief executive of Heinz Europe, added: "David has demonstrated ability to deliver results in the UK and Ireland region. This, together with his extensive knowledge of the consumer products industry, makes him the ideal candidate to take on this pivotal leadership role."

The appointment is yet another management change for Heinz. Last month the company revealed that former Heinz Europe president and chief executive officer Joseph Jimenez had left the company to pursue "specific career goals" rather than take up an expected new role.

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