FDBusiness.com

United Biscuits has appointed Nick Bunker as the new chief executive of its recently separated snacks business, which is to be re-named KP Snacks. Nick Bunker joins the UB Group with effect from 1 September from Kraft Foods, where he is currently president of Kraft Foods UK/Ireland.

UB’s 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 sees substantial growth opportunities both in the UK and internationally. The new chief executive, 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. Products are manufactured in four factories in the UK. KP Snacks employs around 1,500 people.

Nick Bunker is the new chief executive of KP Snacks.

Nick 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. He has been pivotal in the successful integration of Cadbury to Kraft and has a track record of growing and developing various business operations.

Nick 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 has led Kraft businesses in the Middle East, the CzechRepublic and Slovakia. He is currently chair of the Food and Drink Federation’s Sustainability Steering Group.

Nick Bunker comments: “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.”