Samworth Brothers has appointed a former Tesco executive Richard Marris into a new role as brands director. 

Marris will take up the group executive board director position, with responsibility for Ginsters, Soreen and the Ginsters Van Company and future brand acquisitions, on 2 November. He will report to Samworth Brothers group chief executive Lindsey Pownall. 

He was commercial director of fresh foods for Tesco since 2012 and has worked as category director of both the produce and chilled convenience foods at the retailer. Prior to that he spent 14 years at Mars.

Pownall said: “We are very pleased to welcome Richard to Samworth Brothers at this point. Over the past few years our brand portfolio has been developing strongly. Ginsters has seen continued success and Soreen, which we acquired last year, has proved to be an excellent addition.

“I believe our new structure, with a brands director responsible for all brands, provides the focus needed to accelerate our growth and Richard’s outstanding blue-chip brand experience will be a huge support.”