MARK McKenzie, who lives in Knaresborough, has been promoted to the role of group sales director, Nestlé UK & Ireland. Reporting to chairman and chief executive Paul Grimwood, Mr McKenzie will join the company’s group board.

He succeeds Vince Robinson who has been promoted to the role of President in Nestlé’s USA sales organisation.

After working for Coca-Cola and Mars, Mr McKenzie joined Nestlé in 2000. He has held a number of senior sales roles, most recently as channel category sales development director for Nestlé Confectionery UK & Ireland.

He lives with his wife, three children and they have a labrador.

Mr Grimwood said: “Mark has played a key role in the successful growth of our confectionery business in recent years.

“He has extensive knowledge of the UK retail trade and a great track record. Mark is ideally qualified to lead our group sales organisation and continue to grow Nestlé’s business with its UK customers.”

Mr McKenzie said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role in what will be a pivotal year for the industry and our customers. My priority in 2011 will be to continue to help drive category growth in each of the varied categories in which Nestlé is present, led by our additional focus on the shopper as we reopen our expanded Insight Centre in the Spring.

“This year will be an unpredictable one in which spotting changing shopper trends early will be critical to delivering growth and will be our number one focus.”