Garrett, who was vice-president of brands, has left without a job to go to.
The budget freeze, which will remain in place until at least May 2006, is part of a strategic review implemented after the acquisition of HP Foods.
Key agency partners, including Leo Burnett and Vizeum, have received a retainer payment.
Jane Miller, Heinz's UK chief executive, who moved to the role from the US last month, is leading the cost-cutting drive. It is believed that she sees focusing on trade activity as key to growth.
A source close to the company said: '[Miller] is imagining she can buy the shelf space with trade discounts, but in the UK the Heinz brand is a key asset, and needs to be supported across its portfolio.'
Garrett, a former European advertising manager at Nike, was credited with a raft of initiatives at Heinz, putting quality food at the heart of the group's proposition.
A Heinz spokesman confirmed that Garrett had left, but refused to comment on the future of its 50-strong marketing team.
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