Simon Kerry has been appointed as the new managing director of Molson Coors Beverage Company’s Western Europe division, effective from February 24 – next Monday.
Kerry takes over from Phil Whitehead, who became president and chief executive officer of the international brewer’s EMEA & APAC division last month.
Kerry, who has been at Molson Coors for 13 years, was formerly finance director for the UK and Ireland before becoming Molson Coors’ EMEA & APAC chief finance officer in 2019.
Commenting on the appointment, Whitehead said: “Simon knows our local and international business very well and has been an instrumental part of our company’s performance over a number of years.
“He has the drive and vision required for the next stage of our journey and the continued evolution of our brand portfolio.
“A great leader and passionate ambassador for our wider beer and hospitality industry, I can think of no one better to take us forward from here.”
Kerry himself said: “What this business has achieved over the past few years, particularly coming out of the pandemic and rebuilding in a very volatile economic environment, is a testament to the passion and commitment of our people and the strength of our brands.
“I feel privileged to take on this role and to have the opportunity to lead this business through its next chapter.”
Molson Coors now has four breweries in the UK and Ireland, centred round its UK home in Burton upon Trent, and its nearly 300-year-old cider press in Suffolk.
Its beverage portfolio in the UK and Ireland includes Aspall Cyder, Atlantic Pale Ale, Cobra, Madri Excepcional, Pravha, Staropramen and Rekorderlig, alongside popular mass market brands Coors, Carling, and the UK’s number one selling cask ale, Doom Bar.
