C&C brings in Heineken UK head as group chief executive

Spirits manufacturer and wholesaler C&C Group has announced the appointment of David Forde as group chief executive.

Forde currently serves as the managing director of Heineken UK and is expected to join C&C at the latest in early 2021.

“Following a thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates for the position, we believe David has the requisite blend of brands, distribution and pub sector expertise to maximise the potential of our iconic brands and optimise the potential of our distribution capabilities,” said Stewart Gilliland, interim executive chairman of C&C.

Gilliland will continue to lead the group in his current role until Forde joins. He will then function as non-executive chairman until 2022 to ensure continuity of leadership.

Forde, who has been with Heineken for 32 years, has extensive experience in senior leadership positions across the business. He is leading the UK business in the current position since 2013. Prior to that, he has been the managing director of Heineken Ireland, where he started his career, for four years.

He commented: “I am extremely excited to be joining C&C, a company with great people, loved brands and a world class distribution infrastructure. I look forward, together with my new colleagues and the Board, to further building the business into the future.”

C&C has also appointed Patrick McMahon, current group strategy director, as group chief financial officer to succeed Jonathan Solesbury who is retiring.