Dublin-based C&C Group has announced the appointment of David Forde as its new group chief executive officer.
Currently, Forde serves as the managing director of Heineken UK - a position he has held since 2013.
He will join C&C Group at the latest in early 2021, following the completion of a customary notice period, the Bulmers-maker added.
The company’s board has requested Stewart Gilliland to continue as the interim executive chairman until Forde assumes his new role.
Commenting on his appointment Gilliland said, "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.”
An Experienced Professional
Forde has extensive experience in senior leadership positions and has been a part of Heineken for the past 32 years.
He started his career in Ireland with Heineken’s sales and marketing team, before taking up the role of marketing director in the Netherlands and Poland.
In 2007, he was appointed as the general manager of Heineken UK.
He was instrumental in the acquisition of Scottish & Newcastle in 2008 and the subsequent integration of the two businesses.
From 2009 Forde served the managing director of Heineken Ireland until his appointment as the managing director of Heineken UK in 2013.
New Group Chief Financial Officer
Elsewhere, C&C Group has named Patrick McMahon as its new group chief financial officer and executive director, effective 23 July.
He will succeed Jonathan Solesbury, who has decided to retire.
Solesbury will step down from the board at the AGM on 23 July. However, he will remain with the company until 1 September to ensure a smooth transition.
McMahon joined C&C Group in 2005 and has held several senior leadership positions including that of financial director of individual business units and overall group finance director.
As the group strategy director, he played an important role in the integration and turnaround of Matthew Clark and Bibendum since their acquisition in 2018.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
