Mars UK has recruited Alison Clark, former director of News International, as its UK corporate affairs director.

She replaces Jean Harper, who has been ­promoted to director for ­nutrition and sustainability for Mars' petcare business in Europe.

Clark, who took up her role this month, is heading a team of seven and is overseeing PR and public affairs in the UK. "I am delighted to be joining Mars and to be working with their excellent team. I am looking forward to helping them be recognised as one of Europe's leading corporate citizens," she said.

Clark worked in a variety of roles at News International, which she joined in 1993. Her most recent position was corporate affairs director, responsible for corporate communications and government affairs. Prior to that she was business development director.

Clark will be based in Slough, at Mars' UK base, and will report to Klaske de Jonge - vice-president of corporate affairs for Mars in Europe. "Alison is a very experienced corporate affairs professional and will be a great asset to our business. We are thrilled to have her on board," said de Jonge.

Mars courted controversy last May when The Grocer revealed the company had changed the formulation of many of its bestselling lines to contain animal rennet.

The news caused a PR crisis for Mars and it received thousands of complaints. Less than a week later, it took out full page adverts in national newspapers, apologising for the move and promising to switch back to a vegetarian recipe.

Meanwhile, Mars Snackfoods has appointed Bep Sandhu as trade relations manager. She has been at Mars for 10 years and replaces Andrea Taylor who has moved into another sales role at Mars.

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