Media Statement
November 19, 2009
Heinz Wattie’s Marketer Appointed To Key Role In Heinz
Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director Nigel Comer has congratulated Mike Pretty on his promotion as Vice President, Global
Ketchup, Health & Wellness, and Marketing Development for the HJ Heinz Company.
Mr Comer says this is a major role within the parent Company, and reflects significantly on Mike’s personal attributes
and professional successes over many years at Wattie’s, as well as the contribution the New Zealand business makes as a
product and packaging innovator with Heinz.
“On behalf of everyone at Heinz Wattie’s it is a pleasure to congratulate Mike and wish him all the best for the role
that he will take from January 1, 2010.”
In this new role, Mike Pretty will lead the Global Tomato Ketchup Taskforce, reporting directly to Heinz Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Johnson. He will work with the country marketing teams around the world to
drive volume and share growth, especially in key developed markets, where it is imperative that Heinz continue to
increase the level of innovation on flagship products. He will also facilitate best practice sharing across Heinz
business units with the goal of driving the development and implementation of exciting new product and packaging ideas
Mike will also lead the Health & Wellness Taskforce, with a focus on enhancing Heinz’s competitive position as a leading provider of nutritional and
weight management products that help consumers lead healthier lives.
He will also work to build marketing capability through the Heinz Marketing Academy.
Mike will continue to be based at Heinz Wattie’s office in Auckland.
Mike joined the Wattie’s businesses in New Zealand in March 1989 as a project manager for the Pet Food Division,
BestFriend Pet Foods, a business Nigel Comer previously led. He excelled in increasingly important management roles
across the Heinz Wattie’s business to become Director of Marketing in 2002, the role he currently holds.
ends