Wrigley, the sugar confectionery unit of Mars Inc, has appointed Hamish Thomson as general manager of its UK division.

Thomson, who leads Wrigley’s operations in the Pacific, will take up his position next month. Previously, Thomson worked for Reebok and also served as marketing director for Mars Petcare before joining Wrigley in 2005.

“It’s great to be coming back to the UK, particularly at such an exciting time for Wrigley. The gum business is growing and we’ve got some brilliant plans for our confections in 2012,” Thomson said.

He replaces Ian Burton, who was promoted to run Wrigley’s European business at the beginning of August.