SABMiller replaces Foster's CEO after acquisition

Drinks giant SABMiller has announced that its managing director of Asia, Ari Mervis, will now become the chief executive officer of the newly-acquired Foster's business.

Foster's current chief exec, John Pollaers, will step down from his role on 16 December but is said to retain an advisory role to SABMiller during the first few months of 2012 "to ensure a smooth transition".

On 2 December, SABMiller finally tied up its purchase of the iconic Australian lager firm. The deal is worth £6.5bn and will see the owner of Grolsch and Coors Light get its hands on Foster's lager as well as the famous VB and Carlton Draught brands.

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Mervis - who will be based in Melbourne - will continue to be the managing director for the Asia Pacific region and will retain his role as chairman of CR Snow, the company's joint venture in China.

"Ari has been Managing Director of our Asia business since October 2007 and was the sponsor of the Foster's acquisition," said SABMiller's chief executive Graham Mackay.

"He is ideally qualified to lead the integration of Foster's into the SABMiller group and to deliver value from the acquisition for all stakeholders."

BC