Here are some of the people taking up new top jobs in the beverage industry this month: joining companies such as AB InBev, PepsiCo and BlueTriton Brands.
Here are some of the people taking up new top jobs in the beverage industry this month: joining companies such as AB InBev, PepsiCo and BlueTriton Brands.
Michel Doukeris has assumed the role as Chief Executive Officer of Anheuser-Busch InBev: succeeding Carlos Brito, who has stepped down after 15 years as CEO.
“Michel brings cultural and operational continuity along with a fresh perspective focused on driving long-term organic growth,” said AB InBev as Doukeris took on the role on July 1. “He is a global leader who has consistently delivered top- and bottom-line growth in markets across the globe.
“Michel’s demonstrated consumer-focus and brand-building capabilities will accelerate the company’s momentum and transformation.”
Brendan Whitworth succeeds Michel Doukeris’ previous role as Zone President North America and CEO of Anheuser-Busch.
Meanwhile, Ezgi Barcenas has been appointed Chief Sustainability Officer, effective 1 August, 2021, reporting to Doukeris and joining AB InBev’s Senior Leadership Team.
Pictured above: Outgoing CEO Carlos Brito (L) with new CEO Michel Doukeris (R)
BlueTriton Brands – the former US and Canadian operations of Nestlé Waters - has named Jorge Mesquita as Chief Executive Officer.
The veteran Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble executive joins as the new company as it embarks on growth and innovation initiatives as an independent business.
“Over the course of his long career in the consumer products industry, Jorge has developed an outstanding reputation as a strategic thinker and inspirational leader with a focus on operational excellence and a passion for re-energizing businesses and brands,” said Tony W. Lee, Managing Partner of One Rock Capital Partners, which earlier this year acquired the company in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. “We are thrilled to have the benefit of his experience and expertise as BlueTriton moves into its next exciting chapter.”
Prior to joining BlueTriton, Mesquita served as Executive Vice President and Worldwide Chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s consumer division, where he revamped the marketing, brand building and commercial strategies for brands including Johnson’s Baby, Neutrogena and Listerine. Prior to Johnson & Johnson. Mesquita spent nearly thirty years at The Procter & Gamble Company (“P&G”), where he led three separate divisions during his tenure.
As Group President, Global Fabric Care at P&G, Mr. Mesquita was responsible for overseeing the company’s largest business unit as well as the design and delivery of Tide and Ariel Pods, the biggest laundry innovation play in decades. Previously, as President, Global Home Care, he redefined the business with new brands including Swiffer and Febreze. Mesquita began his P&G career in Venezuela and later held posts in Mexico and Brazil before being tapped to lead Fabric & Home Care operations in Latin America and, later, in North America. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.
“The water category is primed for growth and innovation as more consumers seek healthy hydration alternatives to sugary drinks,” noted Mesquita. “With an exceptional portfolio of beloved brands, BlueTriton is well-positioned to capitalize on this tremendous market opportunity. I look forward to working with our outstanding management team and talented professionals throughout the company to raise the bar on innovation while continuing to lead the way in sustainable water management and being a good neighbor in the communities in which we operate.”
PepsiCo’s Board of Directors has elected Edith W. Cooper as an independent member of the Board, effective as of September.
Cooper spent over two decades of her career with The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Global Head, Human Capital Management from 2011 to 2017 and Managing Director and Global Head, Human Capital Management from 2008 to 2011. She began her career in derivative sales at Morgan Stanley from 1991 to 1996 and Bankers Trust Company from 1986 to 1991.
Cooper co-founded Medley, a membership-based community for personal and professional growth, in 2020. She also serves on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and Mount Sinai Hospital.
Peter Filipovic will be retiring as CEO of Carlton & United Breweries (CUB), Asahi Beverages’ Australian alcohol business division.
Following the successful integration of CUB into Asahi Beverages in June 2020 – and after 25 years of service – Filipovic says it is the right time to retire from the business.
Filipovic will shortly achieve 25 years of service with the business, and following the successful integration of CUB in June 2020, Asahi Beverages and Mr Filipovic decided that now was the right time for the announcement of his intention to retire from the business.
Asahi will announce the new CEO for CUB in Q3, 2021.
Meanwhile, Natalie Toohey has been appointed to join the Board of Asahi Holdings Australia.
Natalie is a seasoned corporate affairs specialist with senior leadership and advisory experience across a range of sectors including FMCG, particularly alcohol and beverages. She will advise on supporting the implementation of business strategy through communication, reputation management, sustainability and government & industry strategy.
Duvel USA, Boulevard Brewing Company, and Brewery Ommegang has welcomed Seraf De Smedt as president of the US organization.
De Smedt has served as the chief finance and administration officer for Duvel Moortgat since December 2013. Having started the new role in June, he is working closely with the US-based leadership team while continuing to oversee the global finance team for Duvel Moortgat.
John McDonald, founder of Boulevard Brewing Company, who stepped in as interim president for Duvel USA late January, has returned to retirement.
Duvel Moortgat is a fourth-generation, family-owned craft brewery based in Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium. The company owns and operates ten breweries in the US and Europe, including Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, MO, Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, NY and Firestone Walker Brewing Co. in Paso Robles, CA.
De Smedt will split his time between Belgium and the US. The US leadership team will oversee daily operations for the US breweries and national sales team. Leading those duties are company veterans Bobby Dykstra, executive vice president of sales and marketing; Rick DeBar, general manager of Brewery Ommegang; Steven Pauwels, brewmaster of Boulevard; Dali Grabar, director of engineering for Boulevard; Julie Weeks, vice president of communications and culture; and newcomer Stephanie Walker, director of human resources.
“The US market has been a great passion of mine since joining Duvel Moortgat,” said De Smedt. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with my US colleagues more closely. The beer and alcoholic beverage industries have never been more complex, which provides all of us the task of balancing our innovation and staying true to our heritage beers.”
Prior to joining Duvel Moortgat, De Smedt served as CFO at Lineas, a Belgian rail freight company (2009-2013), and as associate principal at McKinsey & Company, a consultancy (2001-2009). He started his career as a senior auditor at PwC, an auditing firm (1996-1999). De Smedt holds an Applied Economics degree from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL, 1996), as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago (Booth School of Business, 2001).
Global producer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, Amber Beverage Group (ABG), has appointed Vangelis Smyrlis to the role of Managing Director EMEIA and GTR.
Smyrlis has a wealth of previous experience in international spirits and will manage direct sales of ABG brands in Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa (EMEIA) and throughout Global Travel Retail (GTR).
Before joining ABG, Vangelis previously worked for seven years as regional Director Southern Europe at William Grant & Sons and spent thirteen years at Diageo in different management roles from Brand Manager to Western Europe Marketing Director. He has managed a number of leading brands in numerous industries such as Johnnie Walker, J&B and Smirnoff in spirits, Guinness in beer, Ariel and Tide in home care, Heinz and Tulip in food, Oakley, Calvin Klein and Dolce Gabbana in eyewear.
Amber Beverage Group;s core brands are Moskovskaya Vodka, KAH Tequila, Riga Black Balsam, Rooster Rojo tequila, Cross Keys Gin and Cosmopolitan Diva. ABG produces, bottles, markets, distributes, exports and retails a range of beverages of more than 600 own and third-party brands from premium vodka and sparkling wines to speciality Mexican tequilas.
Brew Dr., one of the leading kombucha and beverage companies in the US, has announced Dan Stangler as its new CEO.
Stangler will lead Brew Dr.’s overall brand strategy, identify growth opportunities for the business, and provide high level strategic planning and direction for the future. Brew Dr. is known for its beverages that explore the potential of tea, from organic raw kombucha to naturally energizing yerba mate.
“After nearly two decades running my own business, I am beyond excited to welcome Dan Stangler as our next CEO. Together our goals will be to share Brew Dr. with more people and to engage our team as we continuously improve our standing as a B Corp,” said Matt Thomas, Founder of Brew Dr. “Dan is a growth-oriented leader who creates a positive culture with a real care for inclusivity and the development of people, and I know he will lean into our efforts of using business as a force for good.”
With over 16 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, Stangler gained extensive experience as a brand-building during a career with General Mills. He most recently served as Senior Business Unit Director, Indulgent Snacks Portfolio and Strategic Growth Channels at General Mills, where he led the brand strategy for multiple snacking categories and sales channels, achieving record sales and driving market share gains. Stangler was also responsible for multiple consumer-first portfolio strategies, integrated marketing campaigns, and new product and package format innovation to maximize distribution and visibility across channels.
Prior to this role, Stangler worked his way up through numerous positions at General Mills, including four years in Berkeley, CA on the Annie’s portfolio.
