THE long-standing founder of SHS Group in Belfast has moved away from his day to day role in the £640 million-turnover fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company.
Dr Joe Sloan (75) stepping down from the role of group chairman and retiring from the group board, and will become honorary president.
The role of group chair will be taken up by Karen Salters (51).
Dr Sloan said: “I had the privilege of guiding SHS Group, alongside my business partner the late Geoff Salters, from its inception as a traditional family-run sales and marketing company, to a multinational operation with an enviable range of owned and agency brands, alongside our private label offering.
“Being appointed honorary president of SHS Group is a real privilege. I thank the group board for their support and wish Karen well in her role as chair.”
Ms Salters will work with SHS chief executive Elaine Birchall to fulfil the group’s Vision 25 ambitions.
She has worked across the group for over 27 years within the drinks division as marketing director and joint managing director. She has also been a group director and member of the board for over a decade, as well as representing the Group and SHS Drinks on trade body networks.
SHS Group, which employs more than 1,200 people, owns brands such as WKD, Shloer, bottlegreen, Merrydown Cider, Crucial Sauces, Zip & Sunny Jim firelighters and Maguire & Paterson matches.
It also distributes brands including Jordans, Ryvita, Pot Noodle, Finish, Mars Drinks and Colgate, and is a market leader in the supply of own label herbs and spices in Britain and manufactures branded and private label condiments and sauces.
