SHS Group Appoints New CEO
One of Northern Ireland’s largest privately owned companies, the SHS Group, has appointed Elaine Birchall as CEO.
Elaine, who brings more than two decades of international business experience, took up the top role at the company’s Belfast headquarters on November 3, replacing Michael Howard who announced retirement plans earlier this year.
A graduate of Dublin City University, Elaine has held senior positions within a number of multi-national organisations, including Colgate Palmolive and PZ Cussons Plc. With a background in financial management, Elaine has directed finance, supply chain and general management operations for organisations based in the USA, South Pacific, Europe, UK and Africa.
As CEO of SHS Group, she will be responsible for developing and growing the business which has an annual turnover in excess of £400m operating across four divisions – Drinks, Condiments & Sauces, SHS Sales & Marketing and Corporate Services.
Joe Sloan, co-founder and chairman of the SHS Group, said: “This is an exciting time for us and Elaine is an extremely important addition to our established management team. She has extensive leadership qualities and the experience needed to help accelerate our long-term plans. She brings a great depth of knowledge in our current and prospective markets and shares our ambition to push towards the next phase of our development.
“Elaine is a natural successor to Michael and, on behalf of the SHS Group, I am pleased to welcome her to the team. We look forward with confidence to many rewarding and successful years ahead.”
Commenting on her appointment, Elaine said: “I am honoured and excited by the chance to build on the great achievements the SHS Group has secured in recent years and lead such a successful and committed team. We have earned an enviable position within the market due to our ability to develop brands to their full potential and forge strong relationships with our strategic partners. I look forward to building on that approach and working with all areas of the business to identify and secure future growth.”
Pictured top is SHS CEO Elaine Birchill
