GSK has created a new management team for the Ribena and Lucozade business, led by Peter Harding, previously GSK general manager for consumer healthcare in Great Britain and Ireland. Joining him will be a new UK and Ireland marketing director, Carol Smith, who joined GSK in 2012 to lead the Great Britain and Ireland commercial marketing function. The team will also consist of GSK’s current international marketing director Jon Roberts, sales director Gareth Smyth and Ireland country manager Rory Brennan.
According to a report in Marketing Week, it is hoped the creation of a ready-made Lucozade and Ribena-focused management team will increase the attractiveness of the business to potential buyers.
There has been a great deal of speculation about which businesses will be interested in acquiring the two brands – with Suntory, Vimto, AG Barr, Nestlé and Britvic all mentioned.
In a statement, Harding said: “My goal is to continue to drive success on Lucozade and Ribena by executing our highly competitive plans for 2013. Our advertising and promotional spend behind these brands will continue as will our investment in new product development.”
Source: Marketing Week/FoodBev Media
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