Chris Mack-1

Chris Mack

Chris Mack will be relinquishing the role of chief executive of Fresca Group from 1 July, the company has announced.

Mack, who has been both chairman and chief executive of the group for 25 years, will continue as chairman in a full-time capacity. Ian Craig will be taking over as CEO.

Craig joined Fresca in 2004 as managing director of DGM Growers, playing a key role in the merger into what was to become Manor Fresh. In 2010 he took over as MD at Thanet Earth Marketing, with Fresca now seeking to recruit a replacement for that role.

In a letter to staff Mack said: 'I believe that it is time for me to embark on what will be a key transition for the company.

'In his new role Ian will be responsible for all day-to-day management of our businesses while I will continue to be very involved with key customers, growers, our joint venture partners and the strategic development of the business.

'This is an important development for Fresca Group and I look forward to working with Ian to ensure the continued successful development of our business.'

Mack's decision comes after what has been a difficult year for the company, which posted its first trading loss in recent memorydespite increasing turnover and reducing net debt.