Soft drinks group Nichols plc has appointed Richard Newman as its new chief financial officer, effective March 2024.
Newman will join the board of Nichols as a director on 29 January 2024, the Vimto maker added.
Interim CFO and company secretary, David Taylor, will step down from the board in March, following a transition of responsibilities.
Commenting on his appointment, non-executive chair Liz McMeikan stated, "Following a thorough search process, we are delighted that Richard will be joining the business and the board next year.
"Richard brings a wealth of highly relevant experience to the group and I have every confidence that he will make a substantial contribution to the group’s continued development and growth."
Richard Newman
Newman is an accomplished finance professional with experience in the UK public company sector, having held a number of senior plc roles.
Most recently, he served as the finance chief at AIM-listed Accrol Group Holdings Plc.
In 1996, Newman joined Cadbury plc and worked his way up to the position of finance and IT director for Ireland and then group financial controller.
After 15 years with Cadbury, he took a new role as divisional finance director at National Express Group plc before joining DS Smith plc in 2015 as UK finance director for packaging.
He is also is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having qualified with PwC in 1993.
Other Management Changes
Elsewhere, James Nichols stepped down from the board to pursue other opportunities.
He left the business after 18 years with the soft drinks firm, having held executive positions and serving as a non-executive director.
In due course, a new representative of the Nichols family will be appointed as a non-executive director, pursuant to the terms of the 'Relationship Agreement' between Nichols plc and the Nichols family, the company noted.
McMeikan said, "On behalf of the board I would like to thank James for his significant contribution over the past 18 years and we wish him well and every success for the future."
