US: More staffing changes at A-B

Anheuser-Busch has announced more staffing changes as the US brewing giant looks ahead to life under the stewardship of incoming president and CEO August A. Busch IV.

The brewer yesterday (28 September) made three appointments to its strategy committee, a body made of the company's 18 most senior executives, which is responsible for setting out its policies and objectives.

Bob Lachky (pictured), A-B's executive vice president of global industry development, and Dave Peacock, vice president of business operations for the company's US brewing arm, have been named as members on the committee.

Michael S. Harding, vice president of the company's US brewery operations, was the third appointment to the committee.

Harding will also replace Joseph P. Sellinger as CEO and president of A-B's packaging subsidiary. Sellinger, 60, plans to retire on 30 November after 35 years at the company.

A-B's packaging business will come under the control of Doug Muhleman, group vice president of brewing operations and technology for the company's US and international breweries. Muhleman, who is on the strategy committee and reports to Busch IV, becomes chairman of the packaging subsidiary.

James F. Hoffmeister, the head of A-B's procurement, agricultural and transport operations, is also set to retire from the company. Hoffmeister, 62, has spent 39 years at the Budweiser brewer. His role will be taken on by Peacock.

Busch IV said: "Dave has been instrumental in developing our new alliances this year and in bringing collaborative, imaginative solutions to brewer and wholesaler business matters.

"Through his broad experience in business and marketing, and his work over the years with the wholesaler panel, he has earned the respect and admiration of the entire wholesaler family."

The packaging subsidiary will move under Doug Muhleman, group vice president of brewing operations and technology for the company's U.S. and international breweries.

Muhleman, who is on the strategy committee and reports to Busch IV, becomes chairman of the packaging subsidiary.