Vimto boss Brendan to step down (From St Helens Star)

Vimto boss Brendan to step down as chief executive of Newton company

9:59am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

Brendan Hynes, chief executive of Newton-based Vimto owner Nichols, is to step down after ten years.

Mr Hynes will continue in the role until the company’s AGM in May.

Marnie Millard will then take over as chief executive of the Newton-le-Willows soft drinks group.

She is currently managing director of the Vimto Soft Drinks UK business and has more than 17 years of experience in the sector, having previously held senior roles at Gerber Juice, Refresco and Macaw Soft Drinks.

Non-executive chairman John Nichols said: "Brendan has been instrumental in the transformation of the Nichols Group into an international, highly successful, branded soft drinks business.

"I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the development and growth of our business during the last ten years and wish him every success as he moves into a new phase in his career.

"Marnie's deep understanding of the soft drinks industry, combined with her leadership skills, energy and enthusiasm, means she is well positioned to drive our continued success, while ensuring a seamless transition."

In another announcement today (Thursday, March 7), Nichols, which also owns Sunkist and Panda, said revenue in 2012 had topped £100m.

Results for the year to December 31, 2012 show that the company achieved turnover of £107.8m, up year-on-year from £99m, and pre-tax profit of £20.5m, an increase of £2.4m on 2011.

John Nichols continued: "Nichols delivered a very good performance in 2012 against a backdrop of tough comparatives and a challenging UK consumer environment.

"2013 will remain challenging and pressures on UK consumer spending show little sign of moderating. We are confident the group will continue to deliver profitable growth through sustained investment in our brands, further innovation and increasing market share."