Allied Bakeries has recruited Liam McNamara as the company’s new sales director – leaving his role as managing director at tea business Twinings.

McNamara joined Twinings in 2014 and has also been a managing director for Mars’ operations in Ireland and Greece.

Jon Jenkins, managing director of Allied Bakeries, said McNamara brings a depth of valuable commercial and general management experience to Allied Bakeries.

“I am delighted he is joining our board. The UK bakery category is worth over £3bn, and the ‘wrapped bakery’ fixture is the single most shopped aisle in grocery retail, presenting a fantastic opportunity for future growth,” he said.

“Liam’s strong commercial background, coupled with his excellent management experience, will help add value to the category as we go into a new and exciting phase of brand development to secure future growth.”

Earlier this month, Allied Bakeries unveiled the new-look Allinson brand and have plans to transform the packaged bakery market.