C&C Group plc has announced the appointment of David Forde as group chief executive officer.
Forde joins C&C from Heineken where he has served as managing director of Heineken UK for the past seven years.
He will join C&C at the latest in early 2021, following the completion of a customary notice period, the company said.
The Bulmers-owner has also announced the appointment of Patrick McMahon, current group strategy director, as its new group chief financial officer.
He will succeed Jonathan Solesbury who has informed the Board of his intention to retire with effect from 1 September 2020.
David Forde
According to the company, the Board of C&C, led by its Nomination Committee, and advised by international executive search firm, Spencer Stuart, conducted a rigorous process to recruit a Group CEO.
"Following a thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates for the position, we believe David [Forde] has the requisite blend of brands, distribution and pub sector expertise to maximise the potential of our iconic brands and optimise the potential of our distribution capabilities," said Stewart Gilliland, interim executive chairman.
Forde has worked with Heineken for 32 years and has extensive experience in senior leadership positions across the business.
He started his career with the Sales & Marketing team at Heineken Ireland, before gaining international experience in the Netherlands and then Poland, where he was marketing director.
Progressing to senior leadership, Forde was appointed general manager of Heineken UK in 2007 and played a key role in Heineken’s acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle in 2008 and the subsequent integration of the two businesses, C&C said.
In 2009, Forde returned to Heineken Ireland as managing director, before being appointed managing director of Heineken UK in 2013.
“I am extremely excited to be joining C&C, a company with great people, loved brands and a world class distribution infrastructure," said Forde.
"I look forward, together with my new colleagues and the Board, to further building the business into the future,” he added.
Patrick McMahon
Incoming Group CFO Patrick McMahon will commence his new role as group chief financial officer and as an executive director with effect from 23 July.
Gilliland said: "In Paddy [McMahon] we have a Group CFO with an inimitable understanding and experience of our business."
A Fellow Chartered Accountant, Patrick originally joined C&C in 2005 from KPMG.
Throughout his career with C&C he has held a number of senior leadership positions including, financial director of individual business units and overall group finance director.
"His progression through senior leadership positions within the business and integral role in the transformative Matthew Clark and Bibendum transaction make him the natural successor to Jonathan [Solesbury] and ideal fit for this position," Gilliland added.
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