Global Brands announces company re-structure

Published: 03 October, 2008

Drinks manufacturer and distributor Global Brands has announced a raft of management changes which it says which will enable the company to take a longer-term view of the business and add to its drinks portfolio.

Steve Perez has relinquished his position as managing director to Mark James, previously sales director, who will now oversee the day-to-day running of the business. Perez, now chairman, will concentrate on the long-term development of Global Brands whilst working with Mark to grow its product portfolio.

Derek Mackey has been appointed as the company's new sales director and will take over from where Mark James left off. His role will see him leading Global Brands' sales team of 35. Mackey joins Global Brands following six years working as sales controller on-premise for Heineken.

Said Mackey: "I joined Global Brands because it is a successful, progressive, ambitious and growing business, operating in various categories across the drinks market.

"My role as sales director will see me setting the strategy and direction for the sales teams across both the on and off premise. This includes the delivery of distribution, volume and profit targets, whilst contributing to the overall business strategy of the company."

In recent months Global Brands has placed an emphasis on the development of specific areas of its portfolio, including its flagship RTD range 'VK Vodka Kick'.

It has also announced the launch of a dedicated premium brands division, which has been set up in a bid to increase the penetration of the company's range of premium brands, including Myers's Rum, Goldschlager Schnapps, Sobieski and Ypioca Cachaca.

A review of its beer brands has also taken place, with Tsingtao, Salitos, Viru and Carib being phased out and replaced by three premium European beer brands; Saku Kuld, Zagorka Special and Peerdebrug Blond.

The final change sees Justin Horsman take on the role of trade marketing manager, developing trade specific marketing activity as well as raising the profile of the new beer brands. Justin joins Global Brands following the recent acquisition of Fullback Imports, which had been owned and operated by Horsman and his business partner Neil Robinson since April 2007. Robinson also joins the Global Brands team as a senior national account manager.

Perez comments: "This new structure reflects a number of significant changes within our business over the last twelve months. As we continue to shake up our portfolio and grow the business it's important that we take a longer-term view of our operation and make decisions based on our future growth.

"I will still play an important part in driving the business forward, working closely with Mark, Derek and Justin. We're all very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead."