Shake-up at Stella Artois brewer InBev UK and Ireland

Published: 23 July, 2008

A major shake-up at Stella Artois beer company InBev UK & Ireland (UKI) sees the brewer "streamlined" into six trading divisions in the first major changes since the recent arrival of new president, Stuart MacFarlane.

He is introducing a "flatter company structure" to ensure the Luton-based brewer gets closer to the business needs of its customers.

MacFarlane said: "This change recognises the need for a differentiated customer approach - both geographically and by trading channel - reflecting the changing business needs of the industry.

"It is also a promotion for key people who have been making a significant contribution to the success of the company and have a key role to play in the development of the company," he said.

The Inbev UK business is being split into six divisions: Scotland; Ireland; England & Wales on-trade independents; on-trade multiples; off-trade independents and off-trade multiples.

Four new people have been added to the UKI Board to head up four of the new trading divisions:

Mike Lees (divisional director, Scotland)? Tom McCusker (divisional director, Ireland)? Tim Clay (divisional director, independent on-trade, England & Wales)? Simon Harrison (commercial director, independent off-trade).

In addition, Ric Anderton joins the board to head up trade marketing.

Two existing Board members, Steve McAllister (commercial director, multiple off-trade) and Philip Blanc (commercial director, multiple on- trade) continue in their roles.

Board member Steve Kitching, who has been working as managing director, commercial and field operations, has decided to leave the company to pursue a new career challenge.

MacFarlane, who rejoined the company earlier this year from InBev's global headquarters in Belgium, said: "I believe this new structure and strengthened board will provide us with the streamlined approach and brand-building expertise to improve our business performance going forward."

Printer friendly version