Soft drinks producer Radnor Hills has named a new chief executive and managing director, ahead of “exciting times” for the business.
The Welsh-based FMCG, whose portfolio includes Heartsease and the Radnor drinks range, will see ex-Burt’s Snacks exec Simon Knight take up the role of managing director as current incumbent, founder William Watkins, moves up to CEO.
Knight previously worked in roles including sales and marketing director for premium snacks brand Burts Snacks.
Most recently he worked as a consultant for Radnor for the past two years, following a recommendation by the Welsh Government.
Watkins said that Knight has “a proven track record of growing businesses profitably, driving efficiencies, building customer relationships and getting the very best out of his team through a clear strategic focus”.
He added: “These are exciting times for the business. Radnor Hills continues to grow, and Simon’s focus will be on the day to day running of the business, allowing me to focus on the longer-term projects, ensuring we continue to have in place the capacity to keep up with the demand of our products.”
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Knight said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Radnor at such an interesting time. We have a great range of brands and lots of exciting new product development in the pipeline.
“Radnor Hills is fast-growing and independent and has maintained a refreshingly agile way of working. I really like William’s ethos of continual investment in the company which allows it to flourish and grow.
“The real magic is in Radnor’s basket of products which have been perfected for over 36 years. The company produces every format from one site, including glass, RPET plastic, Tetra Pak and cans. I intend to bring a strategic and collaborative focus to my new role and will be setting very clear goals that bring the wider team together as one.”
Last year the water specialist announced a series of investments, including acquiring Highland Spring Group’s Welsh production site in Blaen Twyni, Swansea, a £1.8m investment in solar panels and a multi-million-pound upgrade to its Knighton-based manufacturing site.
