Specialty retail jeweler Signet Jewelers Limited has appointed H. Todd Stitzer as an independent director, effective Jan. 9, 2012.

Most recently, Stizer served as chief executive officer of Cadbury, until its acquisition by Kraft in 2010. Since joining Cadbury in 1983, Stitzier also served the roles of assistant general counsel for North America, before moving into strategic planning, and marketing and sales roles. Stitzer became CEO of Cadbury PLC's wholly-owned subsidiary, Dr Pepper/7 Up Inc., in 1997 and then of Cadbury PLC in 2003.

In other news, Signet announced that Sir Malcolm Williamson will not stand for re-election to the board at the annual general meeting of shareholders to be held in 2012. The board has agreed to appoint Stitzer to serve as Signet's non-executive chairman, effective following the conclusion of the general meeting, subject to Stitzer's election as a director.