C&C Group appoints Andrew Andrea as chief financial officer

Premium drinks company C&C Group has announced the appointment of Andrew Andrea as chief financial officer and executive director.

Andrea will join C&C on 1 March 2024. Ralph Findlay, who has served as executive chair since May 2023, will revert to the role of non-executive chair following a short transition period after Andrea joins the group.

Andrea is a drinks industry veteran having served in senior roles at Marston’s plc, a leading independent brewing and pub retailing business in the UK, for over 20 years. He joined Marston’s in 2002 and was appointed to the board as finance director in 2009. He served in a variety of senior roles in the business including 12 years as CFO and corporate development officer and, subsequently, as chief executive during which time he navigated the business out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenging macroeconomic environment.

The 54-year-old previously held roles with Guinness Brewing Worldwide and Bass Brewers Limited.

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Andrea is also a non-executive director at Portmeirion Group plc.

“Andrew brings a rare depth of experience within our industry to C&C and we are delighted to welcome him to the business,” Patrick McMahon, C&C Group chief executive, commented.

“We continue to focus on building C&C as the premium drinks and distribution business in the UK and Irish markets. Andrew will bring invaluable expertise and insight to our team and help deliver on that ambition.”

Andrea said: “C&C is a business that I know and have admired throughout my career in the industry. The Group’s combination of iconic brands and market-leading distribution capability is unique and I look forward to bringing my expertise and working with the entire C&C team to support the growth of the business in the years ahead.”

C&C Group’s portfolio of owned/exclusive brands include Irish cider brand Bulmers, Scottish beer brand Tennent’s, premium international cider brand Magners as well as a range of fast-growing, premium and craft ciders and beers, such as Heverlee, Menabrea, Five Lamps and Orchard Pig. C&C exports its Magners and Tennent’s brands to over 40 countries worldwide.