McVitie’s owner Pladis has appointed Jonny Jacobs as its strategy director for its UK and Ireland division.

Based at Pladis’ Hayes office in London, Jacobs will oversee the company’s strategy to accelerate growth in its McVitie’s, Jacob’s, go ahead! and Godiva brands. He joins from Pladis in the US, where he operated as the interim chief financial officer earlier this year.

Jacobs, who will also be part of the executive board, will work alongside Nick Bunker, who succeeded Jon Eggleton as managing director last month.

“Working together with Nick, I’m confident we’ll continue to grow the business and shape the direction of one of the most exciting companies in its sector,” said Jacobs.

Bunker said Jacobs’ experience and expertise will help to build on the heritage and future opportunities for its brands.

The strategy director role is a newly-formed position by Pladis for the UK and Ireland.