Johannes Rosenthal (left) and John Brassington

Source: Dr. Oetker

Johannes Rosenthal (left) and John Brassington

Pizza and home baking business Dr Oetker has appointed John Brassington as joint UK managing director.

Formerly executive head of UK sales, he will now be responsible for sales, marketing, category, insights & net revenue management, inclusion & diversity, quality assurance, HR, and act also as coach for Dr Oetker Ireland.

He replaces Georg Heerdegen Parsbo, who has stepped down to become a member of the International Board of Dr Oetker where he will assume responsibility for HR and also act as coach for Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

“Thanks to strong direction over the past four years from both Georg and Johannes, we’re in an incredibly exciting position to capitalise on opportunities within the categories we operate,” said Brassington. “I’m looking forward to taking on the challenges of driving future growth.”

Matt Pringle, who was previously head of sales – channel development at Dr Oetker UK, will join the leadership team as executive head of UK sales.

Johannes Rosenthal will continue to serve as MD and also assume responsibility for the business’ UK operations in Leyland in addition to his current responsibilities of supply chain, finance, admin, purchasing and IT.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Georg going from strength to strength in what is a very dynamic UK pizza and cake market,” Rosenthal said. “I am thrilled to welcome John to join me in the leadership team as he brings tremendous experience and all the relevant skills to continue on our growth path and realise many new opportunities for Dr Oetker in the UK.”

The move comes as Dr Oetker looks to promote the strategic development of the company and sustained growth in its core categories of home baking and frozen pizza in both retail and out of home. Since joining the UK board in March 2018 Parsbo and Rosenthal have helped the business increase its market penetration and sales, the business said.

Brands within the firm’s portfolio include Dr Oetker Baking and Taylor & Colledge on the home baking side and Chicago Town, Ristorante and The Good Baker on the pizza side.