Cadbury Schweppes plc today announces the appointment of Henry (Hank) Udow as Chief Legal Officer and Hester Blanks as Group Secretary following Mike Clark's retirement. Hank will report to Todd Stitzer, Chief Executive Officer while Hester reports to Todd Stitzer and John Sunderland, Chairman. Both their appointments will be effective from 1st July 2005.
Hank Udow, an American lawyer, joined Cadbury Schweppes in 1987 as legal counsel for the US beverages business and became Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 1991. He moved to the UK and became Legal Director for Global Beverages in 1994 and was appointed to his current role of Group M&A Director in 2000. He has been closely involved in transactions with a total value of £10bn. His early career was with Shearman & Sterling in New York and London.
Hester Blanks joined Cadbury Schweppes in a legal role in 1984. She then became Board Secretary to Coca Cola and Schweppes Beverages in 1987. From 1996 onwards Hester was in roles in the beverages businesses, latterly as Legal Director for Cadbury Schweppes European Beverages. Hester was appointed to her current role as Legal Director, Group in 2003. She started her career with Clifford Chance in London.
Todd Stitzer said:
"I am very pleased that we have developed outstanding people in our business to take up these senior positions. The corporate governance and legal environment in which we operate is ever-changing and it is important that we have the right people in place to deal with these challenges."
Cadbury Schweppes is a major global group which manufactures, markets and distributes branded beverages and confectionery treats and refreshments around the world. With origins stretching back over 200 years, today Cadbury Schweppes' products - which include brands such as Cadbury, Schweppes, Halls, Trident, Dr Pepper, Snapple, Trebor, Dentyne, Bubblicious and Bassett - are enjoyed in almost every country around the world. The group employs over 50,000 people and is a global leader in total confectionery and the world's third largest soft drinks group.