Global bakery business Aryzta has appointed Tony Murphy as its first chief people officer (CPO). 

Murphy, who has 21 years’ experience in senior HR positions for food and drink companies, takes up the role on 1 December 2017.

As CPO, Murphy will work with the group’s operating regions to set up centralised HR to supports its employees and strategic growth objectives.

Murphy has previously held senior HR roles with Diageo in the UK and North America, been people capability director for Cadbury in the UK, HR vice president of snacks and confectionery for Kraft Foods in North America and had a similar role for Mondelez.

“I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Murphy as our chief people officer. The establishment of this key executive position is an integral step to creating a strong, cohesive and collaborative team culture within the group,” said Kevin Toland, Aryzta CEO.

“With senior executive involvement in managing people, culture change, stabilisation programmes, and growth strategies in leading companies in the global FMCG sector, Tony brings significant international experience to our human resource and business management functions.”

Murphy’s appointment follows the recent news that Frederic Pflanz is to join Aryzta as the group’s chief financial officer in January 2018, and the appointment of Toland as CEO in May of this year.