Heinz has named Peter Hall as sales director for UK retail.

The appointment marks Hall’s return to the grocery sector. He joins on 15 December from Samsung Electronics, where he worked for nearly two years as UK and Ireland sales director for the electronics giant’s digital appliances division.

Prior to Samsung, Hall was at Procter & Gamble for more than seven years. He joined in October 2005 as Asda customer business development team leader for Gillette and Duracell, before moving on to Co-op customer business development manager for fabric and homecare.

Hall was promoted to head P&G’s beauty-care category management team in 2010. He then became head of sales and marketing for Max Factor in the UK, and then UK & Ireland head for Max Factor and Olay.

He started his career at McCain Foods, where he held various sales roles covering both major multiples and convenience.

Hall joins Heinz at a busy time for the company. It has launched a host of NPD in recent months, including a new ketchup that contains stevia and a makeover of Farley’s Rusks to highlight the product’s nutritional value. In September, it also launched its first TV ad for ketchup in five years.

Heinz said Hall would be responsible for major multiples, convenience and discounters in his new role, and report to UK & Ireland managing director Jan Kruise.

Kruise was promoted to the MD role in October, having moved up from the position of MD for Heinz Central, North & East Europe.