AG Barr has appointed a non-executive director with wide- ranging experience in the international consumer goods arena but the drinks maker has insisted the move does not signal a major change in its export strategy.
John Nicolson will replace Jonathan Warburton, who is stepping down immediately to concentrate on his role as chairman at bread maker Warburtons, on the board of the Irn-Bru producer.
However, AG Barr chief executive Roger White said Mr Nicolson's credentials should not be taken as an indication the Cumbernauld company will be extending its export activities.
The business has a manufacturing and distribution agreement with PepsiCo in Russia for Irn-Bru and also has European sales of the Rubicon brand, yet only £5.7 million of its £237m annual revenue comes from outside the UK.
Mr White said: "I don't think I would link John's appointment to any change in our outlook or strategy."
The 59-year-old Mr Nicolson, who is based in New York, is currently president of Heineken Americas with responsibility for markets including Brazil, the United States and Mexico.
He is also deputy chairman of Chilean drinks business Compania Cervecerias Unidas.
The Strathclyde University graduate has spent his entire career in the consumer goods arena.
He spent 16 years with Unilever, which included spells working in sales and marketing on brands such as Oxo, Birds Eye and Walls.
From there he went to drinks company Fosters Group, then became marketing director at Scottish & Newcastle in 1995.
During a 13-year stint at Scottish & Newcastle Mr Nicolson progressed to become managing director of Eastern Europe, Asia and the US.
Within that, he was chairman of Baltika Breweries in Russia and a board member of India's United Breweries.
He has held his current post with Heineken since the end of 2008.
Mr White said: "We have known John via various members of the board for a number of years now and he is a guy who has always been around the Scottish business scene. He has a very broad consumer goods experience and a long experience in beverages in particular.
"It is much more associated with John's capability than his specific contacts and position at the minute.
"He brings a terrific track record and a keen understanding of brands and how to build them."
Mr White continued: "Here is a guy who has been deeply involved in consumer brands all his career and has some fantastic experiences which can add to our board.
"We are about building long- term brands and John has a great pedigree of doing that."
Mr Nicolson takes up the post in January and will fly over from his base in New York to attend board meetings in Scotland.
Ronnie Hanna, chairman of AG Barr, said: "I would personally like to thank Jonathan for his extremely valuable contribution over the past three years in helping to shape the direction and performance of the business.
"I am delighted that John Nicolson will be joining our board.
"He brings with him a wealth of highly relevant experience and I look forward to his involvement."
In its most recent trading update, AG Barr said it was outperforming a UK soft drinks market affected by poor summer weather and expected to post a 4.5% increase in half-year revenue to around £130m.
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