Mondelez appoints Francesco Vitrano to lead Cadbury brand in UK following Matthew Williams' exit
Cabury owner Mondelez has appointed Francesco Vitrano "to spread the Cadbury joy" as the marketing activation director for the brand's tablets, bites and beverages.
Francesco Vitrano has been enlisted 'to spread the Cadbury joy' / cadbury
Vitrano has been promoted from his current role as marketing manager for gum and candy in the UK and Ireland, swiftly following the departure of Cadbury’s top marketer Matthew Williams in mid-July.
He brings with him over a decade experience at Cadbury, having rejoined Mondelez in 2006 after a stint at Nestle. He has worked at the company's regional offices in Switzerland and across Italy and the UK.
During his time as Mondelez marketing manager for gum and Candy in the UK and Ireland, he successfully developed a long-term strategy for the category whilst re-launching three key brands: Maynards Bassetts, Trebor and Halls.
"I am really looking forward to building on the great legacy that is Cadbury. Joining a brand, whose ethos is around bringing joy to the nation, certainly makes this role a unique and pleasurable one to take on," said Vitrano of his new role. "I am excited to lead the talented Cadbury team through even more exciting times ahead."
Matthew Williams, Cadbury's marketing director, exited two weeks ago after 15 years in the business, with there being no news on whether he has a job to go to.
Commenting on the shake up, Glenn Caton, category vice-president for Mondelez Northern Europe, said: "We are delighted to welcome Francesco into his new role. Francesco is a strong leader, with broad experience in several category marketing roles in Mondelez, including running Cadbury Ireland and our Candy business in the UK.
"I’m excited about the impact Francesco will have - build on the great recent success of Cadbury in the UK. We would also like to thank Matthew for his passion and leadership throughout his time with us. Matthew has been responsible for some of our most successful marketing and innovation of the last few years and we wish him all the very best in his future ventures."