Litherland will join Britvic Soft Drinks on 4 October from Diageo, where he had responsibility for an extensive portfolio including brands such as Guinness, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker and Baileys.
He will also become part of the group executive committee at Britvic. It is the first time Britvic has appointed a managing director of its GB arm.
“He brings a wealth of experience, having performed a similar role at Diageo,” said Paul Moody, chief executive of Britvic.
“The creation of the post of a GB Managing Director is a step forward for Britvic, giving the GB business a tighter focus and allowing the group executive committee to concentrate on our strategy of growing internationally both through acquisitions and extending existing franchise agreements.”
Simon Litherland said: “Britvic Soft Drinks has the widest soft drinks portfolio in Britain, with favourites such as Robinsons, J2O, Fruit Shoot and Pepsi, and has demonstrated a great commitment to constant product innovation.
"I am looking forward to playing my part in strengthening the business.”
