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AG Barr PLC, the UK soft drinks group behind brands including Irn-Bru, Rubicon, Boost and Funkin, announced that non-executive chair Mark Allen OBE is stepping down, effective immediately.
Allen says he will be concentrating on his newly expanded executive role at Hilton Food Group, where he has moved from non-executive chair to executive chair.
The company said an independent search is underway for a new non-executive chair, with senior independent director Susan Barratt acting as interim chair in the meantime. Non-executive director Louise Smalley will serve as senior independent director during this interim period.
Allen, who has chaired AG Barr for five years, highlighted the business’s progress under his tenure, citing brand portfolio innovation, value-accretive mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder returns.
“The business is in great shape and now is the right time to pass on the baton and focus on my other commitments,” he commented.
Barratt added: “Mark 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.”
AG Barr, which reported growth across its soft drinks and functional beverage brands in recent years, said it will provide a trading update for the year ended 31 January 2026 on February 3, ahead of publishing final results in March.
The company's executive team – including CEO Euan Sutherland, CFO Stuart Lorimer and Corporate finance director Ewan Dytch – will continue to drive operations during the transition, while the board seeks a successor who can maintain momentum on brand innovation and shareholder value creation.
