Nichols plc, the diversified soft drinks group and parent of Vimto, has appointed Laura Padfield as an independent non-executive director of the company, with effect from 1 September 2026, replacing Helen Keays who will be stepping down from the board after nine years of service at the end of this month (August 2026).
Padfield is currently chief executive officer of IVC Evidensia, Ireland, one of the world’s leading veterinary care providers, operating across Europe and North America. She has extensive leadership experience in consumer-facing businesses, with a strong track record of driving growth, transformation and operational excellence. She previously held a number of senior executive roles, including within retail with Marks and Spencer and Tesco, where she developed expertise in strategy, customer experience, organisational development, logistics, supply chain and international retail operations.
The Nichols board “believes Laura’s experience will be highly complementary to the existing board and will further strengthen Nichols’ capabilities as it delivers its long-term growth strategy.”
From the date of her appointment, Laura will become chair of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and nominations committees.
Independent non-executive director Keays will step down from the board and as chair of the remuneration committee and member of all board committees with effect from 31 August 2026, after nine years of service.
The board thanked Keays for her contribution to Nichols, particularly her important role in strengthening the Company’s governance framework over her time in post, and wished her well for the future.
Liz McMeikan, chair of Nichols plc, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Helen for her valued contribution to Nichols and warmly welcome Laura as she joins us at an exciting stage in the group’s continued development. I look forward to the benefit that Laura’s breadth and depth of experience will bring to the board.”
Nichols operates across five soft drinks sub-categories in the UK: squash, flavoured carbonates, fruit drinks, energy and flavoured water. Nichols’ portfolio includes its flagship Vimto brand, plus a growing portfolio of licensed brands including MyProtein, Levi Roots, ICEE and Sunkist.
