The confectionery firm has created two new operating boards, one for each operating division – fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and retail.
Alongside this, a smaller group executive board has been established and will be accountable for overall company strategy, business review and group-wide policy.
In tandem with this, Barry Bloomer has been given the new role of chief operating officer with immediate effect.
He will keep his responsibilities for all operations, supply chain and IT activity, to which he will add responsibility for product development. The role would offer him an overview of the entire production process, from initial product development to manufacturing and distribution.
Bloomer has relinquished his responsibilities for UK commercial and international sales, affording a flatter management structure for Thorntons’ FMCG division and for parts of the business led directly by the ceo.
Commercial sales
Simon Foster, previously marketing director, is to take on additional responsibility for commercial sales, becoming sales and marketing director to cement relations between the two areas of the business.
He would bring his extensive branded FMCG experience and skills to the role and would report directly to the ceo, said Thorntons.
Meanwhile, it has promoted Geoff Kershaw, previously retail trading director, to the new role of md – retail division.
Mike Killick’s responsibilities would remain unchanged within the business, although his title has been changed to chief financial officer.
‘Strategy to transform business’
Announcing the changes as part of its half-year results for the 28 weeks to January 10, Thorntons stated: “We have identified the transformation of our people, systems and processes as an essential enabler of achieving our stated strategy to transform our business towards an emerging FMCG company with a strong UK retail division.
“Towards that objective, effective today, we have made changes to executive roles and responsibilities with the objective of increasing our focus on winning in FMCG whilst ensuring a strong UK retail division.”