C&C's Holberry to step down in August

The managing director of C&C Group's British cider unit John Holberry is to step down from his position in August, citing…

The managing director of C&C Group's British cider unit John Holberry is to step down from his position in August, citing concerns over career development.

Mr Holberry, became the unit's managing director in March last year, joining from Coors Brewers Ltd.

In a statement issued by the company Mr Holberry said the appointment of a new management team, headed by John Dunsmore, "reduces the opportunities for me to develop my career".

Earlier this month C&C said it expected revenues to fall 13 per cent in its current financial year, with both Bulmers and its equivalent on the British market, Magners, losing market share.

The drinks group said market conditions for cider sales in Ireland and Britain were, “if anything, getting worse”. It said its ambition was to stabilise cider sales in its current financial year.

C&C said it expected revenues in the cider business would fall by 17 per cent, with sales of Bulmers in Ireland declining 14 per cent and sales of Magners in Britain dropping 23 per cent.

C&C forecast an adjusted operating profit of €90 million for the financial year just ended, which was in line with investors’ expectations.

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