SINGAPORE: Exec runaround at Asia Pacific Breweries

Asia Pacific Breweries has announced a change of regional director for its China operations.

The company, a joint venture between Heineken and Fraser & Neave, said today (26 November) that Malcolm Tan will replace Lee Meng Tat, who is returning from his secondment at APB to Fraser & Neave. Tan, who takes over the role on 1 December, will lead and oversee APB's operations and businesses as well as investment activities in China.

Meng Tat moved up from his previous position of deputy regional director for China to head up the Chinese unit in May last year.

Tan joined APB in 1990 and spent his last 14 years establishing the group's business in Hainan and the south China market. He has also been marketing director of Shanghai Asia Pacific Brewery, general manager of Hainan Asia Pacific Brewery, and general manager of the South China Cluster at Heineken-APB (China) Management Services (HAPBC).

The brewer also confirmed a switch of regional director for Singapore Cluster and Cambodia Brewery Limited (CBL). Bennett Neo, the current general manager of Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) (APBS), will replace James Wong, who is leaving APB. Reasons for Wong's departure were not disclosed.

Finally Michael Chin will succeed Neo as general manager of APBS on 1 January. Chin will relinquish his role as sales director of Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB), a position which he has held since 2006.

A search is underway for a replacement for Chin, a spokesperson for APB told just-drinks.

APB owns a 25.5% stake in GAB.