Hovis has appointed Mark Brown as its first Chief Marketing Officer, aiming to drive brand growth amid challenges in the UK bread industry.
Hovis Appoints Mark Brown as First Chief Marketing Officer
In a significant move aimed at accelerating its growth trajectory, Hovis has announced the appointment of Mark Brown as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Brown, who brings extensive experience from his tenure at General Mills, steps into the newly created role with the ambition of driving the brand forward.
Mark Brown joins Hovis with an impressive résumé, having spent the past 13 years at General Mills. During his time there, he held various positions before being promoted to Marketing Director for Europe and Australia in 2021. In this role, Brown managed the marketing strategies for an extensive portfolio of brands, with a particular focus on Old El Paso and the company’s snack brands. Prior to his tenure at General Mills, Brown honed his marketing expertise at companies such as Weetabix, Kerry Foods, and Kraft Foods.
Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Brown stated on 22 July, “Delighted to be joining the team at Hovis to work on one of the nation’s most iconic brands!”
Welcoming Brown to the team, Hovis CEO Jon Jenkins commented, “Mark brings with him the right experience and leadership qualities to help drive the brand forward. I look forward to working with him to unlock the full potential in the market for Hovis and our customers.”
Brown’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Hovis, a renowned name in the UK bread industry. Earlier this year, the company announced that despite previously increasing its bread prices by 30% due to the soaring global cost of wheat, it has no plans to lower prices in 2024. In March, Jon Jenkins explained that while costs had stabilised since their peak in 2022, wage inflation and other structural factors would maintain pressure on prices.
Hovis, established in 1886, has long been a staple in British households. With Brown’s extensive experience and fresh perspective, the company aims to reinforce its market presence and navigate the challenges of a dynamic economic landscape. The bread giant is poised to tap into new opportunities under Brown’s strategic marketing leadership, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
