Pilgrims Choice has promoted Ben Hutchins to business development manager. Hutchins, who will be responsible for key account management and developing the brand, moves up from the role of national account manager.

Waheed Hassan has joined northern supermarket chain Booths as technical manager. He was previously a food technical and development manager at Tesco for 10 years.

Paragon Vintners has named Alison Marley as brand manager for its European wines, overseeing Champagne Jacquart, Trimbach, Quinta do Noval and the French wine portfolio. Marley joins the company from New Zealand Wine Growers, where she was marketing manager.

Geoff Dunning is the new CEO for The Road Haulage Association. He was previously northern regional director for 11 years.

Jan du Plessis is to join Marks & Spencer on 1 November as a non-executive director. He is also non-executive chairman at British American Tobacco and a non-executive director at Lloyds TSB Group.

Branded spirits producer Stock Spirits Group has named Jack Keenan as non-executive chairman. Keenan has previous experience with Grand Metropolitan and Diageo.

Bill Shearing has joined Coffee Nation as its new business development manager. He has worked for Allied Domecq, Golden Wonder Crisps, British American Tobacco and Pelican Rouge.

Tom Smith is the new trade communications manager at drinks company Red Bull. He will be responsible for the energy drink’s editorial and advertising communications and joins from PR consultancy Mercieca.

The Brand Company has appointed contact solutions specialist Howard Becker to head sales and new business development. Becker joins from Reach Contact, where he was business development controller.

Home baking and herbs & spices company Fiddes Payne has appointed Charles Conder as country manager for the UK. Conder previously held sales director roles at Interpet and The Scotts Company.