By Ian Neuabuer
Foster’s Group has appointed soft drinks guru Alex Stevens to the newly created role of managing director of Carlton & United Breweries — the name of its new beer, cider and spirits division.
Stevens comes to Foster’s after 12 years’ experience at PepsiCo, where he has held several senior roles in marketing, sales, finances strategy and IT.
Most recently he worked as CEO of the bottler’s Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Islands division and at the same time oversaw the operations of The Smith’s Snackfood Company, Bluebird Snackfoods New Zealand and Sakata Rice Snacks.
Stevens will be charged with maintaining and improving the operations of Foster’s lucrative beer business, gaining new ground for its cider products and potentially broadening the company’s venture into spirits, which currently consists of four labels — Cougar, Black Douglas, Skyy and Cinzano.
His appointment is effective immediately.