With extensive experience in consumer goods, Mr Sutherland has previously led notable UK and international businesses, demonstrating a successful track record in achieving sustainable growth based on consumer insight, innovation and digital capability, while improving efficiency and profitability through major transformation programmes.

He was most recently group CEO of Saga plc, the UK’s specialist products and service provider for people aged 50 and over, having previously been CEO of Superdry plc, The Co-op Group and group COO of Kingfisher plc. Mr Sutherland has a background in global fast-moving consumer goods brands, including Mars and Coca-Cola, plus eight years on the board of Britvic plc as a non-executive director.

As announced in August last year, Roger White will step down from the AG BARR board at the end of April 2024 and will remain available until the end of July to support a smooth leadership transition as planned.

Mark Allen, chair of AG BARR, said: “It has been a great pleasure working with Roger, who has successfully led the business for over two decades and delivered significant value to shareholders, stakeholders and employees. We wish him well in the future.

“On behalf of the board, I am delighted that Euan is joining AG BARR. He has substantial experience across several consumer-facing businesses and will be a strong addition to the Board. He is well placed to lead AG BARR through the next exciting phase of its development and to ensure the continued long term success of the business.”

Mr Sutherland added: “I am very excited to join AG BARR, which has a unique heritage, strong culture and exceptional brands.

“I look forward to working with the Board and the wider business to continue to deliver significant value to shareholders, stakeholders and employees for the long term.”

The appointment announcement follows a trading update in which the company reported group revenue reaching approximately £400 million, marking 26% year-on-year growth and 7.6% on a like-for-like basis. These figures exclude contributions from the acquired Boost Drinks business in December 2022.

Adjusted profit before tax is projected to be around £49.5m, a 13.8% increase from the prior year, slightly exceeding market expectations.

Incumbent CEO Mr White said: “All our teams across the group have worked hard to deliver an excellent overall performance. This has been supported by continued brand investment, strong execution of our sales plans and progress across our supply chain improvement programme.

“We have positive momentum behind our brands and business as we enter the new financial year.

“This strong trading performance, coupled with the benefits already being delivered by our margin rebuild programme, has ensured we close the year with a strong profit performance and confidence in the group’s long-term growth strategy.”