United Biscuits’ chief executive, Jeff van der Eems, has stepped down with immediate effect.
Van der Eems took over the role last April, when Martin Glenn left to become chief executive of the Football Association. Van der Eems had formerly been in charge of UB’s international business, and has spent a total of 11 years at the company.
Jim Zaza, executive chairman at UB, will assume the responsibilities of chief executive for the foreseeable future.
Van der Eems said: “It has been a distinct pleasure to lead United Biscuits during a period where we re-established our presence on the world stage.
“Having secured the sale and transition to Yildiz Holding, it is an opportune time for me to step down and pursue other opportunities.”
Murat Ülker, chairman of Yildiz Holding, said: “I thank Jeff personally for his tireless commitment to revitalising United Biscuits and ensuring a smooth integration with Yildiz Holding during his tenure. I wish him all the best with his future endeavours.”
Trio bar
Meanwhile, United Biscuits-owned McVitie’s has launched a campaign to find the new voice of its relaunched Trio bar.
The company announced the relaunch of the toffee- and biscuit-filled chocolate bar in February, heralding its return to shelves for the first time in 13 years.
Entrants are being asked to post films of themselves singing Trio’s classic jingle on the McVitie’s Facebook page, or on Twitter with the hashtag #iwantatrio. The winner will receive £3,000 and a day in a recording studio to record the song, as well as the chance to hear their entry played on Capital FM.
Sarah Heynen, marketing director of Sweet Biscuits at UB, said: “As soon as people hear the name Trio they start singing the jingle – and it’s this sonic nostalgia that we want to celebrate. The fact that Trio is coming back was exciting enough in itself, but launching our competition makes it even more so, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what the country comes up with.”
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