Former Thresher chief executive Roger Whiteside has been named managing director of pub company Punch Taverns' leased estate, taking over from Deborah Kemp on Monday. Whiteside was most recently a non-executive director of baker Greggs and has also worked for Marks & Spencer and Ocado.

Mans Suterwalla from TRS Cash & Carry in Southall, Middlesex, has been elected to the board of Landmark Wholesale. Mans replaces his brother, Hatim, who steps down after 10 years. Zahier Ahmed of BA Cash & Carry in South Wales has also been re-elected to the board.

ZGM, the international wine producer, has appointed award-winning Julian Grubb as winemaker. He was previously chief ­executive and winemaker for Laroche in Chile, which produces Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

New Unilever CEO Paul Polman was officially elected to the board by shareholders at its general meeting in London.

The Balvenie range of malt whiskies has appointed Andrew Forrester as brand ambassador. In the role, Forrester will promote the range's premium credentials and encourage malt enthusiasts to try it.

Disney Consumer Products has appointed Mike Stagg vice president of sales for the UK and Ireland with responsibility for overseeing all sales and marketing initiatives. He was previously sales director, multiple retail, at Coca-Cola Enterprises. Before that Stagg worked for The Coca-Cola Company and Unilever.

Trevor West, who retired this year from his position as trading director at Mars UK Petcare and Food, has been appointed a director of the Rural Shops Alliance.

Wine Australia is recruiting a director for the UK, Ireland and Europe as part of a reorganisation of its ­export structure. The newly created position will be based in Australia House in London.

Former Asda format development director Paula Minowa has been appointed by Ann Summers to replace Julie Harris as managing director. Harris retires at the end of the year.

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