UK “gut-friendly” soft-drinks business Hip Pop has appointed Finlays executive Matt Bowler-Jones as its new CEO.
Bowler-Jones succeeds Graham Beales, who said he was “stepping back after two intense years” at the company.
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In a statement, Hip Pop said Bowler-Jones would have “a clear focus” on expanding the business internationally and “unlocking new commercial opportunities”.
Bowler-Jones joins from UK tea and coffee supplier Finlays, where he was commercial and supply chain director. His career includes nine years at Baxters Food Group and 17 at Mars.
Hip Pop was launched by founders Emma Thackray and Kenny Goodman in 2019.
The Manchester-based business markets its drinks in the UK, with stockists including Sainsbury’s, Morrisons.
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By GlobalDataIt also sells in Belgium and the Netherlands through Albert Heijn. Further afield, the company has a presence in Iceland, Dubai and in the US through an e-commerce platform selling into 45 states.
Bowler-Jones said: “I’m passionate about building brands and supporting people, so joining Hip Pop at such an exciting stage of its growth feels like the perfect fit for me.
“In the past two years, Hip Pop has seen some incredible progression and Graham must take great credit in delivering this success.”
Goodman added: “We’re hugely grateful to Graham for the energy, drive and ambition that he has brought to Hip Pop over the past couple of years. It’s been a monumental chapter for the business, and we wish him all the best for his next adventure.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Bowler-Jones as our new CEO. Matt’s vision, expertise, and passion for what we do makes him the perfect person to lead Hip Pop into its next phase of growth.”
In an interview with Just Drinks earlier this year, Thackray discussed Hip Pop’s growth plans. She said: “We are focusing on the UK but definitely taking the opportunities elsewhere as well. Foodservice and quick service retail are key areas of focus for us, we want to give customers the opportunity to meet Hip Pop at different touch points throughout the day, and to see the brand. It’s about boosting brand visibility and presence, so people really start to see Hip Hop everywhere.”
She added: “We want to continue to build it out in the grocery space because we have a base made up of super health-conscious consumers who know what biotic soda is or what kombucha is, but we are moving now towards the everyday consumer who just wants a really tasty drink.”
