C&C Group plc (LON:CCR), a leading, vertically integrated premium drinks company which manufactures, markets and distributes branded beer, cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks across the UK and Ireland, has announced the appointments of Chris Browne OBE and Sarah Newbitt as independent Non-Executive Directors.
The appointments of Chris, effective 2 October, and Sarah, effective today, follow a thorough recruitment process led by the Nomination Committee, with the support of an independent executive search firm. Chris brings vast experience managing complex consumer-facing operations to C&C, while Sarah brings extensive consumer goods sector and supply chain expertise, together with developing and implementing sustainability strategies.
Chris Browne OBE
Chris Browne has held a number of senior leadership and executive roles within the aviation and travel industries. Chris first served as Managing Director of First Choice Airways, which included overseeing a customer-focused transformation programme. She subsequently directed and managed a successful merger with Thomson Airways before being appointed to execute a similar project for parent company, TUI Group plc. In 2016, Chris joined EasyJet plc and served as Chief Operating Officer until 2019.
Chris is currently a Non-Executive Director of UK homebuilders, Vistry Group plc, infrastructure, construction and property development services business, Kier Group plc and Constellium, a NYSE-listed aluminium products manufacturer headquartered in Paris. Chris has a Doctorate of Science (Honorary) for Leadership in Management and was awarded an OBE for services to aviation in 2013.
Sarah Newbitt
Sarah Newbitt spent the majority of her executive career with Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. Over the course of 25 years in Unilever, Sarah held various international roles across operations and general management, and gained substantial M&A integration experience. Her most recent role was as Vice President Supply Chain of Unilever UK & Ireland, a £2bn turnover business employing over 6,000 people.
Sarah is currently a Non-Executive Director of Ellab A/S, a Danish validation and monitoring solutions provider, and a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a group of research, development and innovation centres transforming UK manufacturing.
Ralph Findlay, C&C Group Executive Chair, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Chris and Sarah to the Board and look forward to drawing on their diverse and extensive public company expertise across operations, logistics, international consumer goods, supply chain management and sustainability, for the benefit of the Group in the years ahead.”
Chris Browne OBE, commented: “With its iconic brands and leading distribution platform, I’m excited to join the Board of C&C and look forward to sharing my expertise and contributing to the next phase of development for the Group.”
Sarah Newbitt, commented: “I am pleased to be joining the Board of C&C and contributing to the company’s future strategy and growth, especially in the areas of operations and sustainability.”
