SOUP giant is gearing up for further growth overseas after promoting John McMullen to the position of chief executive of its European strategic business unit.

Mr McMullen, who has 25 years’ experience in the food and drink sector, has been interim chief executive since November last year. He joined Baxters in 2016 as European technical director having previously held senior technical and operational positions with Princes and HJ Heinz.

Interim group chief executive Ron Davis said that Mr McMullen had been instrumental in leading the development of the strategy and budget plan for the new financial year and was now in a position to ensure its successful implementation.

Mr McMullen said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role within Baxters, one of the UK’s best-known food businesses. Having held the interim role for a period of time, I have a clear vision for the European business and look forward to playing my part in its ambitious plans for the future.”

Family business Baxters, which employs 450 people in Moray and opened a new head office in Edinburgh in January, is best known for its soups but manufactures a range of other products including preserves, sauces, pickles and canned meats. It supplies retail, industrial and foodservice customers in the UK and key overseas markets.

Earlier this week the company confirmed that it has sold its Canadian division to a consortium including private-equity firm Champlain Financial Corporation.