Directorate Change

RNS Number : 3180H

C&C Group Plc

17 February 2010

 



Appointment of Chairman Designate

Dublin, London, Thursday 18 February, 2010: C&C Group plc ('C&C' or the 'Group'), a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded beverages in Ireland and the UK, today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Stewart as an independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman Designate with effect from 9 March, 2010.  Sir Brian will be appointed as Non-executive Chairman at the Group's Annual General Meeting on 5 August, 2010, succeeding Tony O'Brien who will retire on that date.

Sir Brian (64), former Chairman of Standard Life plc and Scottish & Newcastle plc, is an international businessman with a lifetime's experience in the drinks industry.

As Chairman of Standard Life, Sir Brian led the process of demutualisation of Europe's largest mutual life insurer.  In his time at Scottish & Newcastle, as both Chief Executive and subsequently as Chairman, he pioneered the Group's international expansion across Europe into India and China.  He oversaw the takeover of Kronenbourg in France and Hartwall in Finland, the latter which culminated in the joint ownership of Baltika, Russia's biggest brewer.  He was also instrumental in the takeover of HP Bulmer of Hereford, Britain's largest cider maker.  He is currently Chairman of Miller Group, the leading British privately-owned housing, property and construction group; and is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants for Scotland.

Announcing his successor, Tony O'Brien, Chairman of C&C said: "We are delighted to have attracted someone of Sir Brian's calibre to the C&C Group Board, and that he has accepted the role to become Chairman.  With his vast knowledge and experience of the LAD sector, coupled with his valuable trade connections, he is well equipped to provide astute strategic leadership of the Board, and is the ideal person to lead the next phase of C&C's development." 

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Brian Stewart said: "C&C Group has an attractive business, a strong portfolio of brands and an experienced team.  I look forward to joining the board and contributing to the continuing success of the business. Tony and the team have built strong brands and developed real growth opportunities and the company clearly has exciting potential."

Tony O'Brien retires from the Group after serving 20 years as Chief Executive and a further eight years as Non-executive Chairman.

Investors and Analysts	Irish Media	International Media
Mark Kenny/Jonathan Neilan FD K Capital Source Tel: [phone] Email:  c&[e-mail]	Paddy Hughes/ Anne-Marie Curran Drury Tel:    [phone] Email:    [e-mail]	Robert Ballantyne/Shanshan Willenbrock Cardew Group Tel:    [phone] Email: [e-mail]

About C&C Group plc

C&C Group plc is a leading manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded beverages in Ireland and the UK. C&C manufactures the leading Irish cider brand, Bulmers, and the premium international cider brand, Magners, for export to the United Kingdom, the United States and Continental Europe. C&C recently acquired the Tennent's beer brand which is primarily sold in Scotland and Northern Ireland and The Gaymer Cider Company which produces a range of branded and own label cider for the on and off-trade in the UK.

C&C also exports spirits and liqueurs, including the premium Irish whiskey brand, Tullamore Dew, to over 80 international markets. The company also distributes a number of beer brands in the Scottish, Irish and Northern Irish markets and niche spirits and liqueur brands across a number of international markets.

 

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