LONDON — Former Unity managing director Davnet Doran has been appointed as the new head of brand PR at soft drinks giant Britvic.

She takes on the permanent role after consulting on Britvic brands including the London Essence range of premium mixers, Purdey's and Aqua Libra since January this year.

In her new role, Doran will lead the global brand team, reporting to chief marketing officer Matt Barwell.

Doran was latterly London MD at M&C Saatchi Public Relations, which she left last September. She was previously managing director of Unity for five years, and a director at Havas-owned sports and entertainment agency Cake for eight years.

Britvic recently refreshed its PR agency bench, with Doran appointing Cirkle as the plc’s first retained consumer press office, and Tin Man to lead brand PR for the J2O soft drink brand.

Other leading brands within the portfolio include Tango, Fruit Shoot, Lipton and Robinson’s. Britvic also bottles brands including 7UP, Mountain Dew and Pepsi Max in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Doran will continue her non-executive director role at Fanclub PR, working with MD Adrian Ma, as well as being part of the leadership team of the Women in PR networking group.

In a LinkedIn post, Doran said: “It's really exciting but it’s also a reflection of finally making my career work for me. I'm delighted to be working a four-day week with Britvic as well as continuing with my NED commitments, Women in PR responsibilities and everything else in life! Now I'm officially a client – I want our agency partners I work with to know flexible working within their business is not something I just accept. I welcome it.”