Two major new appointments have been made by the Vita Group (Manchester / UK; www.britishvita.com). Joe Menendez has been appointed group chief executive with immediate effect and Peter David becomes CEO for the newly formed cellular foam division for Europe. The division was created through the merger of Vita’s comfort foams and technical foams divisions in response to changing market conditions in Europe.

Menendez replaces John Oliver, who has been interim CEO since late 2006. He held many senior positions within Saint-Gobain, most recently as president of the company’s global abrasives business. Oliver will continue as Vita’s non-executive chairman.

David has led the comfort foams division since its inception in 2006, driving further expansion into eastern Europe and guiding operations in western Europe to improve efficiency and customer focus.