Molson Coors has announced the appointment of Phil Whitehead as Managing Director, Molson Coors UK & Ireland and a new look Country Leadership Team. The move underlines the world’s third largest brewer’s continued commitment to its customers.
In his new role, Mr Whitehead will be responsible for leading the delivery of Molson Coors’ ‘First Choice for Consumers and Customers’ ethos. He has been with Molson Coors for 11 years, most recently as Chief Supply Chain Officer in Europe. H has been instrumental in driving Molson Coors’ customer-centric agenda in the UK over the last five years and his proven track record in delivering for the business in both UK and European roles makes him the ideal candidate to lead Molson Coors UK & Ireland.
Commenting on his appointment Mr Whitehead explained: “We have established an ambitious, customer-focused team here in the UK & Ireland that is leading the way in transforming the industry. The political and legislative landscape has changed significantly since the start of the year, yet our business continues to thrive. We have the best portfolio we’ve ever had and I look forward to working with our reinvigorated team and our loyal customers to grow our business further in 2017 and beyond.”
Mr Whitehead takes on the Managing Director role from Frederic Landtmeters, who moves to Canada as Chief Executive Officer, Molson Coors, Canada.
Other announcements from the Molson Coors UK and Ireland business include the appointment of Martyn Cozens to the newly created position of On-Trade Sales Director, UK bringing together under one position Molson Coors’ on trade offering. Alpesh Mistry, formerly Customer Marketing Director, is appointed to the role of Off-Trade Sales Director, UK. Alpesh replaces Nigel Tordoff, who joins Molson Coors’ global headquarters in Denver as Head of Customer Excellence.
As a result of these changes Tony Gibbons, formerly UK On-Trade Sales Director will be leaving the UK to take up the role of Regional Director for Western Europe.
The roles of Martin Coyle, Brands and Consumer Excellence Director; Andrew Hadley, Customer Excellence Director; Simon Kerry, Finance Director; and Victoria Segebarth, Supply Chain Director remain unchanged.
Katie Pierce formally HR Director has taken up the role of Chief People and Diversity Officer, Europe. Her UK replacement has yet to be announced.
Molson Coors UK and Ireland’s portfolio of brands includes Carling, the UK’s number one beer; Doom Bar, the UK’s leading cask and bottled ale; and Coors Light, the fastest-growing beer within the UK’s top ten. Securing the distribution rights to Rekorderlig and Bavaria as well as the recently-launched Pravha and Tepacho underline Molson Coors’ continued investment in brands which deliver for the changing needs of both consumers and customers.