Dr. Pepper Snapple finance chief to retire

PLANO, Texas (AP) - The chief financial officer of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. will retire at the end of March, the soft drink maker said Tuesday.

John O. Stewart, 51, has held the position since November 2006. He also will relinquish his role as executive vice president. Previously, he was finance chief for Diageo North America.

The company, which owns 7-Up, A&W, Canada Dry, Schweppes and other brands along with its namesake beverages, said it will conduct an external search for his successor.

Dr. Pepper shares added 17 cents to $27.19 in morning trading.