Darren Shapland has been appointed independent non-executive director and chair of AG Barr’s board, with the appointment taking effect immediately.
He brings 40 years of experience in finance, operations and corporate governance across leading UK retail, leisure and consumer businesses. His executive career included roles as chief financial officer at Sainsbury’s and Superdrug, preceded by senior finance and operational positions with The Burton Group. He also served as chief executive of Carpetright.
Shapland has held several non-executive positions during his career. He was chair at Topps Tiles and Poundland, as well as a non-executive director and audit committee chair at Ladbrokes and Ferguson. He currently chairs Hollywood Bowl Group as a non-executive director and serves as an independent NED at JD Sports Fashion.
At AG Barr, Shapland will chair the nomination committee and join the remuneration and ESG committees.
Susan Barratt has concluded her tenure as interim chair and will return to her position as senior independent director. Louise Smalley has also left her interim senior independent director role but will remain on the board as an independent NED and continue to chair the remuneration committee.
The leadership changes come as companies across the food and beverage industry respond to food manufacturing trends, advances in food processing technology and evolving food distribution trends. AG Barr’s board will also continue to navigate developments in food and drink industry innovation, food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and food and drink consumer trends.
Euan Sutherland, CEO of AG Barr, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I want to thank Susan for her exceptionally steady leadership as interim chair over the past few months, and I am very pleased that the business will continue to benefit from her deep commercial insight.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Darren to AG Barr. His wealth of consumer, commercial, and financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue to drive long-term value for our shareholders, build our brand momentum, and execute our growth strategy.”
Shapland said: “AG BARR is a business with a truly unique heritage, powerful brands, and a highly robust financial foundation. I am delighted to be taking over as chair at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey.
“I look forward to working with Euan and Susan, and the rest of the board and executive leadership team to support the business in achieving its long-term strategic objectives.”