The chief executive of healthy snacking business Graze, Anthony Fletcher, is set to step down after nearly eight years and be replaced by a former Unilever director.

Fletcher joined Graze in 2009 from Innocent Drinks as head of marketing, sales and innovation and took over the reins of the business as chief executive in late 2012. In February 2019, Fletcher played a pivotal role in securing Graze’s £150m sale to FMCG giant Unilever.

Unilever confirmed Fletcher’s departure and said he will be replaced as Graze chief executive by Joanna Allen.

Allen has worked for Unilever for the last five years, most recently as global brand vice-president for Rexona. Prior to joining Unilever, she worked for Coca-Cola in the US as director of marketing and brand.

Unilever general manager Sebastian Munden said: “I would like to thank Anthony for his tremendous energy, knowledge and commitment in bringing Graze to Unilever and for the part he has played in ensuring this transition was a success.

“I completely understand that Anthony’s passion lies with start-ups and earlier-stage businesses, and I wish him luck as he pursues these opportunities in the future. I hope this may mean we can work together again.

“He has left a fantastic business in the capable hands of Joanna Allen, who I know will build on Anthony’s legacy of innovating, being purpose-led and using cutting-edge technology to get healthier snacks to consumers.”

Fletcher said: “Graze has achieved so much over the past 11 years, but I truly believe that the best is yet to come as it continues to drive behind purpose, the role of technology in helping FMCG businesses’ serve their customer and consumers better, and with a great addition to the team in Joanna.”