Magners cider maker C&C appoints David Forde as new chief executive

Magners cider maker C&C Group has appointed Heineken UK's David Forde as its new chief executive.

The FTSE 250 drinks company said Forde will join from beer giant Heineken, where he has served as managing director of Heineken UK for the past seven years. Forde has worked with Heineken for 32 years and has experience in senior leadership positions across the business.

He will join C&C at the latest in early 2021.

The update comes after C&C in January said its boss Stephen Glancey was planning to retire and would leave at the end of February.

Stewart Gilliland, interim executive chairman at C&C said: "Following a thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates for the position, we believe David 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."

C&C also announced today that Patrick McMahon, current group strategy director, will become finance chief to succeed Jonathan Solesbury who has informed the board of his intention to retire with effect from September 1.

Gilliland added: “As we navigate the current challenges and uncertainty of Covid-19, these appointments represent an exciting new era for C&C which we believe will deliver long term value for all our stakeholders.”