Guinness UDV has appointed the former marketing director of Guinness GB Gary Haigh to the newly created post of commercial director for global ready to drink (RTD) products. The move is seen by the company as a sign of a concerted push into the lucrative pre-packaged drinks market. Haigh will head a team of six and report to Rob Malcolm, head of global marketing and sales innovation. Haigh will be responsible for new product development and the roll-out of RTDs such as Smirnoff Ice, Smirnoff Mule and Stolly Lemon Ruski.

Guinness also announced this week that it has awarded the roster for its £250m global ad business to just two companies - Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO (AMV) and Saatchi & Saatchi. The split has been worked out on a brand and geographical basis.

HHCL & Partners, which was responsible for Guinness in Ireland, Ogilvy & Mather, Frohling Werbeagentur and Weis, and Stagliano & Partners have all lost their places on the roster.

Saatchi & Saatchi has been given all Guinness Foreign Extra Stout markets in the Far East to add to its contract for business in the Caribbean and Africa. Meanwhile AMV will promote Guinness Draught in all its markets worldwide. AMV has held the remit for all UK work since 1998 and is responsible for the famous "surfer" ad.