Senior appointments announced at Treatt and Kellanova

Treatt names David Shannon as new group chief executive

Natural extracts and ingredients manufacturer Treatt has announced the appointment of David Shannon as group chief executive and a director.

Shannon will take up the role on 3 June 2024 when he joins from Croda International Plc after almost 27 years with the business. Since arriving in 1997, he has held several senior roles and most recently served as president of consumer care.

Working across much of the business during his time at Croda, Shannon has extensive experience in selling specialty ingredients in the B2B environment for the flavour and fragrance, personal care, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries worldwide.

Meanwhile, Shannon spent 13 years in various roles in the USA, which represents a key market for Treatt, and holds a degree in chemistry from Edinburgh University.

Ryan Govender and Alison Sleight will continue as interim CEO and interim CFO respectively until Shannon’s arrival, after which Govender will resume as CFO and Sleight as group finance and IT director.

Commenting on the appointment, Treatt chair Vijay Thakrar said: “Following a robust search process that attracted a number of high-quality candidates, we are thrilled that David is joining the Treatt team. He has highly relevant international experience delivering growth in an innovation led group, with a motivational and collaborative leadership style, which will enable him to lead Treatt through its next, exciting phase.​

“The board and I look forward to working closely with David, Ryan, and our leadership team as they focus on realising the full potential of Treatt following the investment of recent years​.”

Echoing the words of Thakrar, Shannon said he was “honoured​” by the opportunity.

“[Treatt is] a company that has a remarkable history of delivering excellence to its customers through sustainability, innovation and agility, supported by a unique culture,” ​he added.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone at Treatt to build on its strong foundation, unlock new opportunities, and chart a path of sustained success​.”

Marcella Kain confirmed as Kellanova UK senior sales director

Snacks and cereal producer Kellanova has appointed Marcella Kain as its new UK senior sales director.

Kain arrives having served as the managing director of Wrexham-based manufacturer Meridian Foods. Prior to joining Meridian Foods as commercial director in February 2022, Kain spent eight years in senior roles at drinks brand Vimto, while she has also served as commercial controller at juice manufacturer Refresco and business unit controller at ice cream company Froneri.

The appointment comes as Kellanova marks its sixth month anniversary as a new snacks-led company, with brands including Pringles and Kellogg’s under its ownership.

“Kellanova may be built on the 100 plus year’s legacy of the Kellogg Company, but we are most definitely charting a new course – one where cereal remains important to us but where most of our future growth lies with snacking​”, said Kellanova UK and Ireland managing director Chris Silcock.

“That’s why I’m privileged to be able to welcome Marcella to the team. Not only does she bring significant commercial and FMCG experience, but she brings it from a range of categories and business sizes with different ownership structures. That wealth of deep and diverse perspectives will be incredibly helpful as we seek to expand into new occasions and retail environments.​

“Throughout my conversations with Marcella, I have been struck by her open style and passion for people​.”

Originally from Anfield in Liverpool, Kain holds an honours degree in chemical and process engineering from Newcastle University. She will replace Kellanova UK senior sales director of the past four years, Chris Dallison, who left to pursue a new opportunity.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Chris and his leadership team at this very exciting juncture in the Kellanova journey​,” Kain said.

“I've been incredibly impressed by the culture and people I've met so far and I'm really looking forward to building on the company’s fantastic success to date whilst we create a future that the heritage of this business can be truly proud of."​

In other news, Mohsin Issa has said that Asda will hire a new chief executive after he carries out a “reset” of the business.​​