HIGHLAND Spring chief executive Les Montgomery is retiring from the post he has held since 2007, the natural source water producer has announced.

Mr Montgomery will become a non-executive director from the end of this year, and chief commercial officer Simon Oldham and chief operating officer Mark Steven will step up to become joint managing directors of the business "with immediate effect".

Highland Spring noted Mr Montgomery had joined the business in 1985, and had been finance director before being appointed as chief executive.

The company said: “During his tenure with the company, he spearheaded the acquisitions of Speyside Glenlivet and the water division of Greencore Group…and achieved his ambition to double the size of the business, including turnover, from £50 million to £100m which was met a few years ago.”

Mr Montgomery said: “Highland Spring Group recently celebrated its 40th year anniversary and I am very proud of how far the business has come in that time. It has been a privilege to lead the company for the last 14 years and I would like to thank all the employees, past and present, of Highland Spring Group for their commitment and support, I am very proud of everything we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to the business as a non-executive director.”