Effective today, Painter will take on the role of chief insights officer and will be accountable for leveraging the talent, skills and technology needed to pinpoint growth opportunities for the business.
Chief executive Salman Amin said: “Geoff is a respected and proven, results-driven executive with 25 years of global consumer products experience across insights and analytics, strategic planning, innovation and brand-building.
“He brings a rare combination of functional and commercial expertise, honed through diverse international market and cultural exposure, including in both developed and emerging markets.”
Two decades of experience
Painter spent more than two decades with PepsiCo’s food and beverages businesses in China, India, Asia-Pacific, Australasia and the UK and Ireland. He also spent a year-and-a-half with confectionery manufacturer Cadbury from 1996–1997.
Commenting on his appointment, Painter said: “I am thrilled to be joining Pladis as we move into a new decade with a strong and diverse portfolio of best-loved brands.
“It is more important than ever to recognise that everything starts with the consumer and to place this understanding at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to joining the team and contributing to continued success at Pladis.”
Pladis’ latest hire comes two months after the appointment of Mario Reis as its new chief supply chain officer, who joined the business from beauty company Coty.
Meanwhile, last month, Northern Irish ready meals producer Greencore appointed former Bunge Food & Ingredients president Gordon Hardie as non-executive director.