New CEO For C&C Group
C&C Group, a leading, vertically integrated premium drinks company which manufactures, markets and distributes branded beer, cider, wine, spirits, and soft drinks across the UK and Ireland, has appointed David Forde (pictured) as Group Chief Executive Officer. David Forde joins C&C from Heineken where he has served as Managing Director of Heineken UK for the past seven years. Heineken UK is a leading producer of beer and cider brands in the UK market, as well as a significant pub operator, with approximately 2,500 outlets in its estate.
David Forde will join C&C at the latest in early 2021, following the completion of a customary notice period. C&C has also announced the appointment of Patrick McMahon, current Group Strategy Director, as Group Chief Financial Officer to succeed Jonathan Solesbury, who has informed the board of his intention to retire with effect from 1 September 2020.
David 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, David 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. In 2009, David returned to Heineken Ireland as Managing Director, before being appointed Managing Director of Heineken UK in 2013.
David Forde comments: “I am extremely excited to be joining C&C, a company with great people, loved brands and a world class distribution infrastructure. I look forward, together with my new colleagues and the Board, to further building the business into the future.”
Following David Forde’s appointment as CEO and Executive Director, the C&C board has requested that Stewart Gilliland continue in his role as Interim Executive Chairman until David Forde joins C&C at the latest in early 2021, at which time Stewart Gilliland will revert to the role of Non-Executive Chairman. In addition, the board has extended his role as Non-Executive Chairman by an additional 12 months until the AGM in 2022. This will provide continuity of leadership for C&C following the appointment of a new Group CEO and Group CFO.
