Two leave after Britvic reshuffle

Britvic Soft Drinks has reshuffled its board, prompting the departure of two directors and the appointment of a new head of operations.

The company, which is majority owned by brewing and hotel giant Bass, has appointed Jonathan Duck from Bass Leisure Retail as operations director. The post was previously held by Ed Hinchliffe, who has been promoted to managing director Bass Beers Worldwide.

Michael Utteridge, sales director for take-home and customer services, and Mike Salter, legal and purchasing director, have both left.

It is not known if they have new jobs to go to, although they will definitely not be given new roles within the company.

Paul Moody, former sales director for on-premise, will now assume responsibility for all sales operations as sales director. Ex-human resources director Roger Boyd will take on a purchasing role and the new title of commercial director.

The reshuffle follows a summer of poor sales which has left Britvic’s business well behind last year’s performance.

It also reflects wider changes at Bass in the wake of a shock profits warning last month, in which Britvic’s profits were seen to have plummeted by at least 9m, due partly to a product recall. Bass’ pubs division is now cutting 250 jobs and reviewing expenditure.

Bass Beers Worldwide is also revamping its approach to marketing, creating an agency roster for the first time.

No statement was forthcoming from Britvic Soft Drinks on the changes. But it is understood that the company is reviewing its focus as a business.

Managing director Stephen Davies, marketing director Andrew Marsden, and finance director Richard Solomons, have not been affected by the board changes.