Former international banker Guy Heald is to join the board of Southwold-based Adnams as a non-executive director.

Mr Heald, whose family has been involved with Adnams since its early days and remains a major sharehholder, is a long-time supporter of the company and has been a trustee of the Adnams Charity since 2004.

A resolution to elect Mr Heald to the board will be voted on at Adnams’ annual general meeting on Thursday, April 23, when the company’s operations chief, Karen Hester, is also due to be elected to the main board.

Adnams chairman Jonathan Adnams said: “We have known Guy for many years, more recently as a trustee of the Adnams Charity, and very much value his contribution.

“He brings with him a huge amount of experience from his career in finance together with a passion for Suffolk and knowledge of the local business community.

“Guy’s appointment, together with that of Karen Hester, will increase the Adnams board from six to eight. Aside from me, we will have three executive directors and four non-executives, three of whom are independent.”

Mr Heald said: “I am extremely glad to have been invited to join the board of such a distinguished and reputable company. I will do my best to serve the long-term interests of Adnams and its shareholders and preserve its independence for future generations.”