One of the most prominent figures in the British pubs industry is to take the helm at C&C Group, the drinks producer behind brands including Magners and Bulmers.

Sky News has learnt that Ralph Findlay will replace Stewart Gilliland, C&C’s current chairman, after the company’s annual meeting next year.

The appointment is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Mr Findlay will step down later this month as chief executive of Marston’s after two decades in charge.

During the latter part of his tenure, he saw off an unsolicited takeover approach from Platinum Equity, a buyout firm, and has steered it through the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic.

At C&C, Mr Findlay will join a company which has also been forced to contend with the impact of COVID-19.

Earlier this year, it raised £150m from a rights issue, one of many launched by businesses in the consumer goods and hospitality sectors.

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The Irish-based but London-listed company also swung to an operating loss last year after seeing sales slump because of the closure of many of the venues it supplies.

It also owns Tennent’s as well as local brands like Addlestones, Blackthorn cider and Caledonia Best.

C&C and Marstons both declined to comment.

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