By Andrew Starke
Brown-Forman has announced a major reshuffle of its sales and marketing teams including the creation of a new role following an executive review.
A spokesperson for the company said the new sales and marketing structure would deliver greater value across its business and establish a solid foundation for years ahead.
The organisational changes are effective from June 1.
Andy McNamara will replace Andy Bower as sales director and member of the executive team having previously served in sales management of three states (WA, VIC and NSW) and most recently as senior brand manager for Jack Daniel’s.
McNamara will be charged with leading Brown-Forman’s commercial strategy and evolving its trading strategy.
Three new sales leadership positions have been created with Michael Morden appointed national sales manager, states; Rod Pritchard, national sales manager, customer (responsible for both independents and chains) and Michael Simpson, national sales manager, on-premise.
All three will report directly to McNamara as will Rob Maker who will assume the new position of customer marketing manager with shared reporting to marketing director Sarah Nichols.
”We have decided to separate the critical customer (trade) marketing function from our (consumer) marketing brand teams and Rob is the ideal choice to lead this team,” Nichols told TheShout.
”The growth in key customers, planning horizon extensions, and channel customization needs presents our brand teams with challenges that are best met with a dedicated channel aligned team.”
Maker was previously senior brand manager for Southern Comfort.