United Biscuits Appoints New CEO for KP Snacks

To head up the KP Snacks operation UB has appointed Nick Bunker as the new Chief Executive. Mr Bunker joins the UB Group with effect from 1 September from Kraft, where he is currently President Kraft Foods UK/Ireland.

20 Aug 2012 --- United Biscuits (UB) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive to head up its recently separated snacks business which is to be re-named KP Snacks. The snacks business is the second largest bagged snack company in the UK and has shown consistent top and bottom line growth for the last five years. This product category remains dynamic currently growing at 6% per annum and the UB Board see substantial growth opportunities both in the UK and Internationally. The new CEO, together with the recently appointed dedicated management team, will provide the focus to move this business to its next level.
 
With household brand favourites such as McCoy's, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts and Skips, together with a range of other well known brands ripe for development such as Phileas Fogg, Space Raiders, Nik Naks and Wheat Crunchies, UB is convinced that there is great potential for the business.
 
To head up the KP Snacks operation UB has appointed Nick Bunker as the new Chief Executive. Mr Bunker joins the UB Group with effect from 1 September from Kraft, where he is currently President Kraft Foods UK/Ireland.
 
Mr Bunker has been running the Kraft and Cadbury business in the UK and Ireland for the last four years with a current turnover of over £2 billion.  Mr Bunker has been pivotal in the successful integration of Cadbury to Kraft and has a track record of growing and developing various business operations.
 
Mr Bunker began his career with Mars Confectionery, and then worked with United Biscuits’ International Division and Terry’s of York. He then joined Inchcape plc to manage various retail and distribution businesses in the Middle East before joining Kraft in 2000. Prior to his current role he’s led Kraft businesses in the Middle East, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He is currently chair of the Food and Drink Federation’s Sustainability Steering Group.
 
David Fish, Non-Executive Chairman of UB, said, "Nick brings a wealth of experience to the new role as CEO of KP Snacks. We are very pleased he has decided to join our team and look forward to his leadership as we continue to grow the business and capture more opportunities in this dynamic product category."
 
Mr Bunker said, "KP Snacks is an excellent organisation with great products and a strong team. I am delighted to be offered the chance to lead the Snacks business, which contains some of the best known household names in the category. I look forward to building on the company's success with these brands."