Mars restructures chocolate business to boost UK

Mars’ UK confectionery business is to become independent from its European business in a bid to boost its performance against rivals in the UK. Mars UK’s chocolate business will now operate as a standalone business headed up by Fiona Dawson. Dawson has been promoted from managing director to president of the UK chocolate business. The aim of the restructure is to give Mars UK more power in the local region and perform better against confectionary rivals, Cadbury, Kraft and Nestlé. Andy Watson-Webb, president for the chocolate business in western Europe, has stepped down after five years after turning down the job of President of the continental Europe region. Peter West, currently general manager of Mars’ Australian snack food business will take the continental Europe role.