The appointment comes as the condom-maker has drawn two complaints from members of the public over its latest poster campaign.
Rudge, who takes up the position on June 30, reports to UK marketing director Chris Bunniss, who heads marketing for the whole SSL portfolio, which also includes Marigold Gloves, Scholl Footcare and Resolve. Rudge will take over from John Flaherty, who is leaving SSL to become a music promoter.
Durex's most recent work, a poster campaign by McCann-Erickson Manchester for its Performa condom, prompted two complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority from members of the public, who found it tacky, offensive and sexist, and claimed it encouraged casual sex. The creative spelled out phrases such as 'Roger more', and 'Longer screw' with condoms.
Rudge was drafted into the RFU by commercial director Paul Vaughan in 2001. He was previously brand manager for Carling.
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