Mr White’s appointment will be effective from 20 January 2025, and Ralph Findlay, who is the group’s current CEO, will return to the position of non-executive chair following a short period of transition after Mr White joins the business.

Mr White is an accomplished business leader with over two decades of PLC main board experience alongside deep consumer goods and drinks sector expertise. He was formerly chief executive of AG Barr plc, the Scottish beverage business and owner of IRN-BRU, from 2002 until May 2024.

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

He is currently non-executive director of Warburtons Ltd (2024 to present) and chair of Beatson Cancer Charity. He was previously senior independent director of Troy Income and Growth Trust plc (2014-2024), and non-executive director of William Jackson Food Group (2019-2024).

Ralph Findlay, chair and CEO of C&C Group plc, said: “I am delighted to announce our recruitment of Roger and look forward to welcoming him to C&C and to the board.

“An acknowledged high calibre leader, he will bring an exceptional combination of extensive branded drinks sector expertise, 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 underway within the business and progress our plans to deliver enhanced shareholder value.”

Mr 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.”

As CEO, Mr White will receive an annual base salary of £650,000, a pension allowance of 5% of salary in line with the contribution available for the group’s employees, a benefit allowance of 7.5% of salary and maximum annual bonus opportunity of 125% of salary.

A one-off LTIP (long-term incentive plan) grant of 150% of base salary will be made on appointment, with performance objectives linked directly to creating shareholder value.

Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, commented: “Having run soft drinks group AG Barr for 22 years, Roger White is now moving to Magners’ maker C&C for a drop of the hard stuff.

“During his time at AG Barr, White oversaw the acquisition of cocktail company Funkin, adding an alcoholic flavour to the group’s portfolio. That broadened his market experience and will come in handy at C&C which is active in beer, cider and wine.

“The market wasn’t immediately convinced at his appointment, given how the share price didn’t react to the news. However, decades of experience in the drinks industry will be invaluable and C&C needs some fresh thinking given how the business seems to be stuck in the mud.”