![\"Mark](\"https:\/\/dailybusinessgroup.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Mark-Allen.png\")
AG Barr chair Mark Allen is stepping down from the Scottish soft drinks maker today to focus on his executive role at Hilton Food Group. <\/p>\n
Susan Barratt, senior independent director, will serve as interim chair of the Cumbernauld-based maker of Irn-Bru while an independent search for a successor is conducted.<\/p>\n
Louise Smalley will take on the senior independent director role. <\/p>\n
Mr Allen was appointed as a non-executive director in July 2021 and became chair in March 2022.<\/p>\n
Following his early career in the police force he completed a law degree and subsequently held a variety of corporate roles.\u00a0 He worked initially with Shell and and latterly with Dairy Crest where he was CEO from 2007 to 2019.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
He has held non-executive roles at Howdens, Dairy UK, Warburtons and Norcros, where he was chair from July 2020 until April 2021.<\/p>\n
The company also confirmed it will release a trading update for the financial year ending 31 January 2026 on 3 February, followed by final results in March.<\/p>\n
Mr Allen said: \u201cIt\u2019s been an enormous privilege serving as chair of AG Barr as the company has strengthened and innovated its brand portfolio, driven value-creating M&A, and delivered value for shareholders. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe business is in great shape and now is the right time to pass on the baton and focus on my other commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Barratt said: \u201cOn behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude to Mark for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to AG Barr over the last five years. He has built and led a high-quality Board and advanced the strategic direction for the business. He leaves AG Barr in a strong position, and we wish him all the best for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
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