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Kingsland Drinks Group builds its board with new CFO

News • 28/07/2023

Simon Shelbourn, former finance leader at Arla Foods and County Milk Products, joins the board of directors of Kingsland Drinks Group this month taking the newly created role of Chief Financial Officer.

Kingsland Drinks Group has consistently invested in its world class capabilities in recent years, developing its infrastructure to become a full-service drinks company.

Shelbourn brings over 30 years of FMCG finance experience to the Group, having led senior teams in similarly diverse and complex businesses. He will take full responsibility for the firm’s Finance and IT functions, encompassing Kingsland Drinks and its purpose-led spirits arm, Ten Locks. Shelbourn will lead a strong existing team in line with the long-term company vision – to build a better drinks industry and society.

 

Ed Baker, Managing Director of Kingsland Drinks Group, said of the hire: “As Kingsland continues to evolve and our activities, capabilities and teams become more wide ranging, we’ve worked to bolster our leadership with high calibre talent. By doing so, we are in the best position to meet our goals and tackle the challenges the industry faces. Simon will play a critical role in how Kingsland Drinks Group grows in the long term – we welcome him warmly.”

Simon Shelbourn, new of Chief Financial Officer at Kingsland Drinks Group, added: “Kingsland Drinks Group is a trusted and multifaceted player in the UK drinks industry. I’m proud to join a business that can meet every category need and continues to evolve its offering. The diverse nature of the company means there’s a wealth of opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to playing a pivotal role in its future.”

Shelbourn joins the firm following a raft of senior additions to its leadership team. Mark Riley, former Commercial Director at Bibendum, part of the C&C Group, and Andy Henderson, who has occupied a wealth of long-standing positions across FMCG firms, joined the Group late last year as Commercial Director and Operations Director, respectively.

Consistently evolving, Kingsland Drinks Group moved to an employee-owned model in 2021 and has steadily invested in its capabilities and infrastructure to become a full-service drinks company.

For example, in July 2022, the firm created its own craft spirit facility providing Kingsland Drinks and its sister company Ten Locks with the ability to produce artisan spirits onsite in Irlam, Greater Manchester.