A Suffolk malt business has appointed a new managing director as its current boss steps down after 11 years in the role.

Alan Ridealgh will be replaced at the helm of Muntons by Mark Tyldesley, his deputy, who will move into the post in January.

Mark, who joined the Stowmarket-based firm eight months ago in his current role, has previously held senior positions at several major international companies. Over the past months he has been gaining an insight into the workings of the company.

Alan meantime will continue in a more ambassadorial role for the company. After a brief sabbatical, he will return on a part time basis as vice president external affairs in July.

“Mark has proven his capability during his time here and now is the right time for him to take the reins,” said Alan.

“This is the right move for Muntons. We have a robust and profitable business and this will ensure that we continue to grow and develop in a positive way.”

Alan’s new role will encompass a range of responsibilities. He will continue his work with local customers, businesses and educational areas, although this will be in more of an ambassadorial rather than purely commercial.

Mark expressed delight at his appointment.

“Muntons is a first-class organisation with a strong and successful heritage and has a culture that has been established over its many decades,” he said.

“I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead as we build on the passion for our products, our customer service and our staff which I am sure will see us go from strength to strength.”

Muntons, a £90m turnover business, employs around 320 people globally, about 270 at its head office in Stowmarket. It has manufacturing sites at Stowmarket and at Bridlington in Yorkshire and has just opened a new plant as part of a joint venture in Thailand.

It also has an office in Singapore and own Muntons Inc. its American company, distributing its products in the US craft brewing, homebrew and food and beverage markets.