Mark Hunter steps down as BBPA chairman
Hunter replaced Ralph Findlay as chairman of the BBPA in December last year but the organisation today confirmed he would be standing down following his appointment by Molson Coors as chief executive of the central and eastern European brewer StarBev.
The Prague-based business, which owns the Staropramen brand, was recently acquired by Molson Coors and will now be incorporated into the Carling and Cobra brewer's business.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, thanked Hunter for the contribution he has made to the organisation in his role as chairman but also as chair of the Finance Committee from 2010 to 2011 and as a member of the board since 2009.
"He has given clear leadership for our strategic objectives, especially on how to persuade policy makers we need a growth agenda for the brewing and hospitality industry. Having a chairman who is running a major company in the sector has also given us a wealth of knowledge and experience – and of course, a passion for beer and pubs. He will be very much missed."
A spokesperson for the BBPA confirmed to BigHospitality that discussions with the board would now begin on the appointment of a new chairman in the next few weeks.
Molson Coors
The North American brewer announced Hunter's change of roles and confirmed Stewart Glendinning, current global chief financial officer for Molson Coors, will replace Hunter as UK & Ireland chief executive.
Peter Swinburn, chief executive and president of Molson Coors, said: "Mark is an extraordinary brand builder and a strong leader who knows how to win in a highly-competitive, complex environment. We are fortunate to have a proven leader ready to step into this new business and drive results from day one."
"Stewart brings deep knowledge of the UK marketplace and a lot of first-hand experience working with our big customers there. His leadership of our global financial strategy and team give him the right credentials to grow the performance of our UK business," Swinburn added.
Glendinning was formerly chief financial officer for Molson Coors UK while Hunter previously served in a number of roles for the company and Bass Brewers, Coors Brewers, Hallmark Cards and Bulmers.
