Mark Allen has stood down from his role as non-executive chair and director of AG Barr to focus on leading turnaround efforts at Hilton Foods, where he was recently made executive chairman.
The former Dairy Crest CEO took the reins at protein giant Hilton in late November, when former CEO Steve Murrells left with immediate effect.
AG Barr has now launched a search for a new non-executive chair, with senior independent director Susan Barratt acting as interim chairwoman.
The move is not “wholly surprising” considering the potential for Allen’s role at Hilton as interim executive chairman to stretch onwards during the search for a new executive chairman, according to Shore Capital analyst Clive Black.
“Mr Allen has been a fine chair of AG Barr and is an undoubted gap to fill, but he leaves the firm in fine shape with a very strong board and executive team that is expediting a well thought through plan supported by a very strong balance sheet,” added Black.
Allen said: “It’s 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.
“The business is in great shape and now is the right time to pass on the baton and focus on my other commitments.”
Barratt added: “On 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 past 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.”
In September 2025, AG Barr reported substantial profit growth in its H1 2026 results, with profits up 20% off the back of rising prices and better operating margin.
The price hikes made in the first few months of the year temporarily affected volumes, but the manufacturer said it recorded a number of record-breaking revenue weeks towards the end of the half as momentum built.
Revenue increased by 3% to £228.1m in the 26 weeks to 26 July.
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