Burton’s Foods has indicated that it hopes to “enhance” its reseach and development and quality functions through two senior appointments.

The Jammie Dodgers and Maryland cookie maker said that it has appointed Ben Arnold to the newly-created rolse of head of research and development, while Paul Davidson will head up quality and food safety.

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Burton’s said that it aims to “accelerate” the growth of its brands through enhanced innovation capabilities and to “reinforce” quality standards.

Arnold, a longstanding Burton’s Foods employee, previously held the role of factory general manager at the company’s Llantarnam site. In his new position, he will oversee R&D functions such as innovation, process capability and packaging development.

Davidson joins Burton’s Foods from Premier Foods plc, where he was a senior technical manager overseeing the technical and hygiene function. For Burton’s Foods, he will be responsible for quality assurance and quality control functions.

Arnold and Davidson will report directly to Neil Grocock, Burton’s chief supply chain officer.

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