AB InBev subsidiary Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I is bolstering its wholesale management team, with two appointments.
Amanda Coverdale, previously Commercial Controller of Off Trade Wholesale, has been promoted to the newly created role of Country Lead for Ireland. Meanwhile, Daria Kuznetsova, will join the brewer to assume Amanda’s previous role as Commercial Controller of Off Trade Wholesale for the UK&I.
As Country Lead, Coverdale will be responsible for the total On and Off Trade market in Ireland, working in collaboration with the brewer’s distribution partners. The creation of the role comes as the Budweiser Brewing Group pushes to strengthen its position in Ireland.
Kuznetsova will now assume the role of Commercial Controller of Off Trade Wholesale, reporting into Jessica Markowski, Sales Director of Convenience & Wholesale. Currently Sales Manager for AB InBev UAE, Kuznetsova has experience in working with leading alcohol brands. The company stated that her focus will be on delivering growth through digital transformation and premiumisation, working closely with wholesalers and retailers.
Coverdale commented: “I look forward to building on our strong partnership with our distribution partners to drive our joint premium portfolio, as well as delivering sustainable brand growth. Ireland is an exciting market ready for growth, and I’m proud to be leading its development.”
Kuznetsova said: “2021 is a big year for beer, creating many opportunities for retailers – such as the upcoming summer of sport. I look forward to applying my global experience to this market, helping customers to capitalise on these opportunities and navigate the challenges the post-pandemic landscape presents.”
Meanwhile, Markowski added: “Amanda’s leadership during a particularly difficult period helped the team to deliver best in class activations and our customers to overcome some of the challenges of the pandemic. We wish Amanda all the best in her new role – I’m excited to see what she can achieve!
“Daria is an outstanding addition to our team and brings with her 12 years of experience working in both trade and marketing roles. She is the ideal person to continue to take our wholesale channel from strength to strength and I am very much looking forward to working with her.”
NAM Implications:
- The key focus for alcoholic beverage suppliers post-Lockdown has been to focus on optimising off trade and retail sales…
- …to help compensate for hospitality losses in capacity…
- …and Budweiser will be no exception.
