Former Heinz chief executive Bill Johnson has taken up a role at private-equity group Advent International, which is eyeing more deals on the food sector.

Johnson, who spent 15 years in the ketchup maker’s hot seat, has been appointed as an operating partner at US-based Advent, which has struck over 50 deals in the “consumer retail and leisure” industries over the past 25 years.

“Bill’s expertise in consumer products and food will complement our extensive experience in the retail space and further strengthen our ability to source new investments and drive value creation in our portfolio,” Advent MD Jeff Case said.

Advent’s current consumer portfolio includes US restaurant chain Bojangles, European pet food group Partner in Pet Food and Bulgarian mineral water firm Devin.