British soft drink maker Britvic has hired Mollie Stoker as its new general counsel, replacing Clare Thomas who is leaving for FTSE100 hotel and restaurant group Whitbread.

Stoker joins Britvic from online grocery delivery business Ocado, where she has spent the last two years as deputy GC. Stoker will take up the role in July and will also serve as company secretary. Britvic owns brands including Robinsons, Tango and R. White’s Lemonade.

Simon Litherland, CEO of Britvic, said: “[Stoker] brings a wealth of commercial legal experience, is adept at advising boards and executive teams and has a demonstrable ability to lead and inspire the people around her.”

Prior to her time at Ocado, Stoker spent just over two years as group GC at law firm DWF, where she helped the firm list on the London Stock Exchange and set up its legal and corporate governance function. She also previously worked in the soft drinks sector at Suntory, including as GC of its UK and Ireland business after it purchased Lucozade and Ribena from GSK. She started her career in private practice at Slaughter and May, before moving to K&L Gates and then Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe.

Thomas, meantime, departs after a decade at the company – her first in-house role. She started her career at Addleshaw Goddard, where she spent 15 years, becoming partner in 2008.

Litherland added: “While I am very sorry to see Clare go, this is a wonderful and well-deserved opportunity for her, and I’m delighted to see her progress in this way. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Clare for everything she has done for Britvic.”