Kraft Heinz has named its new UK & Ireland MD, following the departure in November of northern Europe chief Jojo Lins de Noronha after more than a decade.
Marta Pilczuk took the UK leadership role this month, moving from the same role at Kraft Heinz Poland.
Pilczuk has spent close to 12 years with Kraft Heinz, in her most recent role achieving “significant growth in the region” while increasing profitability “by building a strong pipeline of innovation and strengthening manufacturing capabilities”, the company said.
Prior to this, Pilczuk led the company’s EMEA procurement organisation, setting in place a sourcing strategy “that spurred sustainable growth”. Before joining Kraft Heinz in 2013, Pilczuk spent three years with Mars as a buyer.
“Serving as the managing director for Kraft Heinz in Poland has been an extraordinary honour, but it’s time for a new challenge,” Pilczuk said.
“From Heinz to HP, and everything in between, Kraft Heinz has an inspiring heritage in the UK and Ireland, feeding families for over 100 years and taking pride of place in millions of kitchens. I look forward to leading our incredible teams, and working with our customers to fuel innovation and growth, and continue to provide consumers with the high-quality, delicious food they love.”
Willem Brandt, zone president of Europe and Pacific developed markets at Kraft Heinz, said Pilczuk had a “strong operational track record and excellent leadership skills”.
“Marta has accomplished a great deal in Poland, including growing our iconic Pudliszki brand, a local hero specialising in ketchup, tomato products and ready Meals – we know she’ll bring this experience to Heinz in the UK&I to continue nourishing the important role it plays in many British households,” he said.
“At Kraft Heinz, we are undergoing a comprehensive transformation to better serve our consumers’ needs. Marta’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment for our UK&I business, which is set to play a key role in driving this evolution forward. With her exceptional skills and experience, Marta is perfectly equipped to lead the ambitious growth plans for our dynamic and high-performing UK&I business,” Brandt added.
Marta succeeds de Noronha, whose departure from the company after close to a decade was revealed by The Grocer in November. De Noronha – a former investment banker, who joined the company as a Tesco account director in 2015, and was appointed president of northern Europe in late 2019 – has left to “pursue external opportunities” the company said.
Alongside this appointment, Kraft Heinz is also making a shift to its international structure, moving the Nordics division (previously a part of northern Europe) closer to the Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GAS) business – now known as ‘central northern Europe’ – under the leadership of current GAS MD, Matt Poulton.
No comments yet