Ralph Findlay, who has served as executive chair since May 2023, will revert to the role of non-executive chair following a short transition period once Mr Andrea joins the group.

Mr Andrea, 54, is a qualified Chartered Accountant and also a non-executive director at Portmeirion Group plc.

He is a drinks industry veteran having served in senior roles at Marston’s plc, an independent brewing and pub retailing business in the UK, for over 20 years. He joined Marston’s in 2002 and was appointed to the board as finance director in 2009.

He served in a variety of senior roles in the business including 12 years as CFO & corporate development officer and, subsequently, as CEO during which time he navigated the business out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent challenging macroeconomic environment. Mr Andrea previously held roles with Guinness Brewing Worldwide and Bass Brewers Limited.

Patrick McMahon, C&C Group CEO, said: “Andrew brings a rare depth of experience within our industry to C&C and we are delighted to welcome him to the business.

“We continue to focus on building C&C as the premium drinks and distribution business in the UK and Irish markets.

“Andrew will bring invaluable expertise and insight to our team and help deliver on that ambition.”

Mr Andrea, incoming C&C Group CFO, added: “C&C is a business that I know and have admired throughout my career in the industry.

“The group’s combination of iconic brands and market-leading distribution capability is unique and I look forward to bringing my expertise and working with the entire C&C team to support the growth of the business in the years ahead.”