Weber Barbecues has appointed Chris Howard as sales director for the UK and Ireland.

Previously group sales director at consumer goods manufacturer Keter UK, Howard joined in January, with 20 years of proven success across retail and FMCG behind him.

He said: “I have been relishing the opportunity to join a company that is committed to investing in the category and its retailers. This year will see our biggest investment yet with great product innovation, a major advertising campaign, the rollout of premium fixtures instore and a revamped training experience for store staff.”

Last year Weber appointed François Lepeltier as UK & Ireland general manager.

Lepeltier said, “We’re thrilled to have Chris on board, and now have the team in place to build on and accelerate our growth of recent years, expanding our market leading position. Chris comes in at a key time when we are making significant changes for the benefit of our retailers with a new selective distribution contract and supportive terms, the development of the Weber World partnerships and our biggest product launch in 30 years supported by our largest ever advertising campaign. Chris will prove instrumental in working our retail partners to implement these initiatives and fulfil the vast potential the barbecue market has to offer.”