International brewing company Anheuser-Busch InBev appointed Michel Doukeris as its new CEO and zone president North America, effective on 1 January 2018.
Doukeris, who currently serves as chief sales officer, will succeed João Castro Neves, who decided to step down from the role to pursue other opportunities after 22 years at the company, the company said.
Background
The newly appointed CEO has been with the company for 21 years. He was appointed president of the company’s China branch in 2010 and oversaw its rapid growth to make it Budweiser’s fastest-growing market.
He also successfully promoted the premium High End business unit of craft beers, first in China and the US, then expanded into 22 countries. The High End unit now has more than $5 billion in global sales.
“The US is our most important market and we recognize the need to continue to focus on driving topline growth across our portfolio,” said Carlos Brito, chief executive officer of AB InBev.
“Michel has extensive experience delivering results for our business worldwide, including helping to grow Budweiser globally and launching the High End business strategy, which now represents 5 billion USD of sales,” said Brito.
“We thank João for his 22 years of partnership and significant contributions to our company. He has been an outstanding leader, transforming our business in Latin America North and South. Most recently in the US, he spearheaded foundational changes including winning with our wholesaler partners, expanding our portfolio of craft partners, and accelerating the growth of Michelob Ultra, the fastest-growing beer brand in the US,” he continued.
US Market Challenges
The company has faced challenges with its two American flagship products Budweiser and Bud Light, with sales falling for both this year (6.7% and 5.8% respectively). In May, the company announced a $2 billion investment to bolster its flagship brands and improve distribution, amid heightened competition in the US market.
"I will be focused on working in partnership with our wholesalers and building lasting relationships with our customers and business partners. We have a great team in the US and Canada. I know that together we can grow our business with our portfolio of iconic brands," said Doukeris.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Kevin Duggan. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
