The board of Burton’s Foods has appointed former vice president of Kraft Foods UK & Ireland as its CEO.

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Ben Clarke succeeds Paul Kitchener who recently stepped down due to ill health. His appointment takes place with immediate effect, the company said today (2 October).
 
During his time at Kraft Foods, Clarke held numerous senior management roles including that of area director and vice president of Australia/New Zealand and category director of coffee and confectionery. 


He was also a director of the Food and Drink Federation, Institute of Grocery Distributors and Council Member of ISBA.
 
The Wagon Wheels biscuit maker announced earlier this month that it was in talks over a deal that will see its lenders become majority stakeholders in the private equity-owned UK firm.


If an agreement is secured, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Apollo Global Management would take control of Burton’s from private equity firm Duke Street in a debt-for-equity swap.


Clarke said of his appointment: “I am delighted to be joining Burton’s Foods at this important milestone in the company’s history.  The investment potential that our new capital structure affords in combination with Burton’s portfolio of much-loved brands offers an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate growth for both the company and its customers.  I very much look forward to working with the team as we enter this exciting new phase.”

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