Paul Clarke, the finance director at Fuller, Smith & Turner for the past 17 years, is to retire from the London brewer in April 2008, it was announced today.

His replacement has already been put in place with James Douglas set to join its board as finance director designate on 10 September.

Clarke joined Fuller’s as finance director in July 1991 and has seen the group float on the stock exchange in 1996 and acquire George Gale & Co in 2005.

Michael Turner, chairman of Fuller’s, said: “Paul has been a great asset to Fuller’s and has made a significant contribution to the success of the business through improving financial controls and reporting. His contribution has enabled us to attain the highest standards of governance while maintaining the company’s family-run ethos.”

Douglas, who joins Fuller’s from telecoms operator Fibernet, has also worked for Cable & Wireless and Deutsche Bank.

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Gales acquisition boosts Fuller’s profits >>

Fullers Smith & Turner website >>

By Christopher Walton

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