Global food company, Dr. Oetker, which has a commercial UK head office in Leeds and production site in Leyland, has announced changes to its senior leadership team in the UK.
Georg Heerdegen Parsbo has stepped down as Managing Director of Dr. Oetker UK to become a member of the firm's International Board where he will assume responsibility for People & Culture (HR) and, also act as Coach for Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia.
Johannes Rosenthal (pictured left) has taken the role of joint UK Managing Director and has also assumed responsibility for the UK Operations in Leyland.
Rosenthal has been joined by John Brassington, previously Executive Head of UK Sales, as joint Managing Director. He is responsible for Sales, Marketing, Category, Insights & NRM, I&D,Quality Assurance, HR, and acts as Coach for Dr. Oetker Ireland.
Brassington (pictured right) said, “Thanks to strong direction over the past four years from both Georg and Johannes, we’re in an incredibly exciting position to capitalise on opportunities within the categories we operate. I’m looking forward to taking on the challenges of driving future growth.'
The move come as the business looks to promote the strategic development of the company and sustained growth in its core categories of home baking & frozen pizza in both retail and OOH. Since joining the UK board in March 2018 Georg and Johannes have jointly helped the business increase its market penetration and sales.
From £214.5m RSV reaching 16.7m UK households to £243.3m RSV (IRI Data. 1 January 2022), reaching 17.4m UK households. This has been achieved by growing core brands, including UK household names, Chicago Town, Ristorante, Taylor and Colledge and Dr. Oetker Baking as well as introducing new brands. Most recently launching ‘The Good Baker’, a frozen pizza with a focus on positive health & sustainability.
Rosenthal commented, “It has been a pleasure to work with Georg going from strength to strength in what is a very dynamic UK pizza and cake market. I am thrilled to welcome John to join me in the leadership team as he brings tremendous experience and all the relevant skills to continue on our growth path and realise many new opportunities for Dr. Oetker in the UK.”
Matt Pringle, previously Head of Sales - Channel Development at Dr. Oetker UK, will join the leadership team as Executive Head of UK Sales.