AG Barr, the parent company of drinks brand IRN-BRU, has announced that Mark Allen is departing from his role as non-executive chair and director.

Allen served as a non-executive director since July 2021 and was promoted to chair in March 2022.

According to the business, he left the role to focus on his recently expanded position at Hilton Food Group, where he was promoted to executive chair.

“It’s been an enormous privilege serving as Chair of AG Barr as the Company has strengthened and innovated its brand portfolio, driven value-creating M&A, and delivered value for shareholders,” he said.

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“The business is in great shape, and now is the right time to pass on the baton and focus on my other commitments.”

The AG Barr board has started an independent process to seek out a replacement.

Susan Barratt, the current senior independent director, has been made interim chair until a successor is appointed.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude to Mark for his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to AG Barr over the last five years,” she said.

“He has built and led a high-quality board and advanced the strategic direction for the business.”

As part of the leadership change, Louise Smalley, non-executive director, will serve in the role of senior independent director in the interim period.