CHESTERFIELD, MO. — Colin Simmonds has been promoted to regional president of AB Mauri Fleischmann’s, the North American region of London-based AB Mauri.

In addition to heading the yeast and baking ingredient business, Mr. Simmonds will continue to manage the global Baking Technology Group of AB Mauri. He has managed this unit, which the company describes as its “global innovation and development engine,” for the past six years.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to lead the AB Mauri Fleischmann’s business in North America where the future potential for baked products is enormous,” Mr. Simmonds said. “Fulfilling that potential is achieved through providing our customers with outstanding service and leading edge technology.”

Mr. Simmonds has more than 15 years of baking industry experience and has been with Associated British Foods, the parent company of AB Mauri and AB Mauri Fleischmann’s, for 20 years.

Earlier, he headed the ABF Bakery Ingredients group.

Mr. Simmonds will be based in Chesterfield, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis, at the AB Mauri Fleischmann’s headquarters.