C&C snaps up ex-AG Barr chief executive

C&C Group, which manufactures drinks including Tennent’s lager and Magners and Bulmers cider, has appointed Roger White as its new chief executive.

 

He previously held the same role at Irn-Bru maker AG Barr for nearly 20 years, joining the Cumbernauld-headquartered firm in 2002 as managing director, before stepping up to the top role two years later.

 

Prior to this, White held several senior management positions at Rank Hovis McDougall Group from 1987 to 2002.

 

He is currently non-executive director of Warburtons (since 2024) and chair of Beatson Cancer Charity. He was also senior independent director of Troy Income and Growth Trust (2014-2024) and non-executive director of William Jackson Food Group (2019-2024).

 

White had retired from a full-time role in May, but was tempted back into the drinks trade to help C&C continue to emerge from an unsettled period, which in the past two years saw the firm posting a £96m loss in the year to 29 February 2024, following accounting errors discovered in its previous results. Activist shareholder Engine Capital also published a scathing open letter that branded the company a “perennial underperformer” and encouraged it to conduct a strategic review in preparation for a sale.

 

He will take over from interim chief executive Ralph Findlay, who inherited the job in June after then-chief executive Patrick McMahon exited C&C, as he was chief financial officer during the three-year period the accounting issues were discovered. Findlay will return to the position of non-executive chair following a short period of transition.

 

Findlay said of White’s appointment: “An acknowledged high-calibre leader, he will bring an exceptional combination of extensive branded drinks sector expertise, an understanding of our markets and a proven track record of delivery.

 

“We look forward to working with Roger. His knowledge and insight will be of great relevance and invaluable to C&C as we continue the recent positive momentum under way within the business and progress our plans to deliver enhanced shareholder value.”

 

White added: "It is an exciting time to be joining the business. C&C has a unique business model, great brands and a committed team, with the potential to create significant long-term value. I look forward to working with the board and the wider team to lead C&C through the next phase of its development.”

 

C&C’s fortunes have improved of late, with earnings in the six months to 31 August 2024 in line with expectations, and net revenues expected to be -3%, reflecting growth in its Matthew Clark and Bibendum divisions.

 

Underlying operating profit is expected in the range of €39m-€41m (£33m-£35m).

 

Image: Stewart Attwood