Cadbury has announced the departure of its chief financial officer, Ken Hanna.

Hanna is leaving the confectionery giant after five years to become chairman of FTSE 250-listed car retailer Inchcape from May next year.

Hanna, who presided over the demerger of Cadbury Schweppes’ US drinks business last year, has been an Inchcape board member since 2001 and has previously worked at drinks giant Diageo.

“I would like to thank Ken for the outstanding contribution he has made to the group as chief financial officer,” said Cadbury chairman Roger Carr. “He has played a central role as we have radically restructured the business both from an operations and a portfolio perspective.”

Hanna added: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Cadbury board and… I have every confidence that, as a focused confectionery company, Cadbury will deliver on its full potential. I will remain committed to the company's success while completing a smooth handover to my successor next year.” 

Earlier this week Cadbury was forced to withdraw a number of chocolates made at its Beijing factory in the wake of the China milk scandal that has seen thousands affected by diary products contaminated with melamine.

Meanwhile, consumer products giant Unilever has become the latest international group hit by the scandal, being forced to withdraw tea powder destined for Hong Kong. Heinz also recalled a number of products this week.

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