The unit has been struggling in recent times, partly due to lower than anticipated demand for xylitol. Danisco has now taken the step of reducing its production of xylitol in China and mothballing its xylose facility, but remains positive that it can turn the situation around. The resignation of Nicholas Dunning, formerly EVP for sweeteners, was announced at the beginning of this month.

Constant takes up the job as of 2 April and will report to Fabienne Saadane-Oaks, president of Danisco Bio Actives. He will be based in Redhill (UK).

For more than 20 years Constant has been involved in marketing and sales for several multinational food and chemical firms, including Unilever, Quest International, Dupont-Solae, DSM and Rhodia. Since 2004 he has been vice president at Danisco Cultures.