Kraft Heinz picks new lead for Canadian business and coffee portfolio

Simon Laroche has been appointed SVP and president of Kraft Heinz Canada, as well as the company’s North American coffee business.

The change is effective Aug. 21. He takes over from Adam Butler, who previously took on the role at the beginning of 2022. Laroche will report to Carlos Abrams-Rivera, North America Zone president for Kraft Heinz.

Laroche joined Kraft Heinz nearly five years ago as CEO for Australia, before having New Zealand and Japan added to his remit the following year. The move is also a homecoming for Laroche, who had joined the company after 14 years with Labatt Breweries of Canada, including three years as its national VP of sales.

The appointment was one of three Kraft Heinz announced for its North American leadership this week. Former Unilever executive Helen Davis has been named SVP and head of North America operations, while Rebecca Dunphey joins from Clorox to become SVP and president of the fresh, beverages and desserts portfolios.

Decathlon picks Digitad to develop SEO

Athletics retailer Decathlon has enlisted Montreal-based digital agency Digitad to develop and lead its SEO strategy.

This partnership will be focused on improving Decathlon’s online presence in Canada, with the ultimate goal of driving traffic to its ecommerce site.

“Working with Digitad is to choose an agency that fully understands the Canadian market. Their expertise will allow us to accelerate our presence on the web and attract more sports customers across the country,” said Quentin Yacoub, Decathlon Canada’s head of SEO. Yacoub was previously a senior SEO strategist at Digitad before joining Decathlon in September.

Talk Shop wins Nextdoor Canada communications agency remit

Talk Shop has been chosen as agency of record for Nextdoor in Canada.

To support future growth for the neighbourhood-based social network, Talk Shop will lead PR and creative campaign efforts for the company’s Canadian arm, elevating the brand by developing and executing comprehensive media relations strategies across priority markets in Canada.

Nextdoor launched in Canada in 2019. The company says that Canada is its fastest-growing market, outside of the U.S.