Clearly Drinks boss in hunt for ‘new challenges’

He parts with the company following a period of “exceptional growth​” for the Sunderland-based business, including a double-digit turnover increase in the past two years. The business now produces more than 85 million bottles of product a year.

Since joining Clearly in February 2016, O’Driscoll helped complete the signing of two major contracts with high street retailers and supermarkets, as well as helping to secure investment from private equity house NorthEdge Capital in April last year.

A Clearly Drinks spokesman told Food Manufacture ​that O’Driscoll had not taken another role at a business, but was looking for “new challenges”.​

Heavy investment​

In his time in charge, the company has invested heavily in its factory and equipment, creating 30 new jobs to push the overall headcount past 100.

Commenting on his departure, O’Driscoll said: “The last two-and-a-half years has been an incredible journey, both for Clearly Drinks and myself.​

“From accessing financial backing for expansion to our first strategic acquisition last month, the business has been through a significant period of development.​

“Since coming on board last year, the team at NorthEdge have worked hard to put in place a clear growth strategy, and now feels like a natural time to hand over the reins.​

“I want to thank the team at Clearly Drinks for their dedication and commitment and wish the business every success in the future.”​

Stake in the business​

O’Driscoll will retain a stake in the business and will continue to act as an advisor to Clearly Drinks until the end of this year. Clearly has yet to announce his replacement.

NorthEdge investment manager Nicola McQuaid described O’Driscoll as the driving force behind the success of Clearly Drinks, saying his “intimate knowledge” ​of the sector enabled the company to secure lucrative new contracts.

“We would like to thank Finn for his work with the business. He will remain an invaluable source of advice and guidance to us in the coming months as we continue to implement our ongoing growth plan,”​ McQuaid added.