Red Bull UK MD to leave after 12 years

Red Bull UK managing director Harry Drnec is leaving after 12 years with the company.

Drnec will leave in May when he will be replaced by UK director of off-trade sales Nigel Trood.

The soft drinks company says Drnec is leaving to pursue “independent business interests” and spend more time with his family.

The UK is Red Bull’s second largest market, with 2006 sales approaching 300 million cans.

The company says Drnec is responsible for turning around the fortunes of energy drink Red Bull’s UK operations, which was loss-making when he joined.

He repositioned the brand away from an energy drink to a product that “provides stimulation for body and mind”, according to the company.