AG Barr hires retail veteran Shapland as chair – Daily Business

Irn-Bru manufacturer AG Barr has appointed Darren Shapland chair, effective from today, succeeding Susan Barratt who returns to her role as senior independent director.

Mr Shapland brings extensive financial, operational, and governance experience from his previous leadership positions at various UK retail and consumer businesses, including Hollywood Bowl Group and JD Sports Fashion.

His previous public board roles include chair of Topps Tiles and Poundland.  He held board roles at Ladbrokes and Ferguson.

During his executive career, he was chief executive of Carpetright and was chief financial officer at the firm and at J Sainsbury and Superdrug, following senior finance and operational leadership roles at The Burton Group.

At AG Barr he will also chair the nomination committee and serve on the remuneration and ESG committees, with the company expressing confidence in his ability to guide strategic growth and drive long-term shareholder value.

Ms Barratt has served as interim chair since 15 January following the departure of Mark Allen.

Euan Sutherland, chief executive, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I want to thank Susan for her exceptionally steady leadership as interim chair over the past few months, and I am very pleased that the business will continue to benefit from her deep commercial insight.  

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Darren to AG Barr.  His wealth of consumer, commercial, and financial expertise will be invaluable as we continue to drive long-term value for our shareholders, build our brand momentum, and execute our growth strategy.”

Darren Shapland, incoming chair, commented: “AG Barr is a business with a truly unique heritage, powerful brands, and a highly robust financial foundation. I am delighted to be taking over as Chair at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey.

“I look forward to working with Euan and Susan, and the rest of the board and executive leadership team to support the business in achieving its long-term strategic objectives.”