Highland Spring Group, the UK’s leading producer of natural source waters, has announced that Les Montgomery has decided to retire from his full-time role as Chief Executive, as of the end of 2021.
Montgomery, who joined Highland Spring in 1985, was made in CEO in 2007. He oversaw the acquisitions of Speyside Glenlivet and the water division of Greencore Group, helping Highland Spring double in size to £100m a few years ago. After stepping down from his current post, he will become a Non-Executive Director of the company.
The company added that Simon Oldham, the Chief Commercial Officer, and Mark Steven, the Chief Operating Officer, have now been made Joint Managing Directors of the business with immediate effect.
Oldham has over 25 years of FMCG commercial experience, having worked at Procter & Gamble and Whyte & Mackay, before joining Highland Spring in 2010. He will remain responsible for leading the company’s Sales, Marketing, Export, Technical and Supply Chain teams to create consumer demand and drive growth domestically and overseas.
Mark Steven joined the company in 2013, having previously been CFO with VION Food Group UK. He will continue to have overall responsibility for the management and setting of strategic direction for the Operations, Procurement, Finance, IT, Legal and HR functions.
Les Montgomery said: “It has been a privilege to lead the company for the last 14 years and I would like to thank all the employees, past and present, of Highland Spring Group for their commitment and support, I am very proud of everything we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the business as a Non-Executive Director.”
