Irn-Bru maker AG Barr has snapped up Stuart Lorimer from Diageo to become its new finance director.
Lorimer takes up his new role at the beginning of September. He will replace Alex Short, who is moving away from soft drinks to become FD of spirts group Edrington, which makes brands such as The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, The Macallan and Highland Park.
Lorimer has spent the majority of his career at Diageo and is currently finance director of the group’s £4bn Global Supply Operations.
In his 21 years at Diageo, he has held a number of senior roles, primarily financial but also in marketing, commercial and corporate functions, including serving as global sales and marketing FD and FD for Scotland Supply. He trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG.
A spokesman for AG Barr said: “There was a full recruitment process and Stuart had the best fit. He has a hugely strong pedigree in the branded environment. Particularly of interest was his strong background with brands, customers, supply chain management and his functional capability.”
Lorimer joins AG Barr as the company is expected to report a year of strong growth. Sales at the Cumbernauld-based business grew by 5.6% to £135m in the six months to 27 July. AG Barr said this was well ahead of overall market growth of 1.2%, based on Nielsen figures for the six months to 12 July.
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Lorimer, who is an outstanding finance professional,” said AG Barr chief executive Roger White. “We very much look forward to him joining the business.”
On Short’s imminent departure, White added: “Alex leaves the business shortly with our very best wishes to take up his new role.”
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