Simon Kerry has been appointed Managing Director of Molson Coors Beverage Company’s Western Europe division. He takes over from Phil Whitehead, who became President and Chief Executive Officer of the brewer’s EMEA & APAC division last month.
Kerry, who has been at Molson Coors for 13 years, was formerly Finance Director for the UK and Ireland before becoming Molson Coors’ EMEA & APAC Chief Finance Officer in 2019.
Commenting on the appointment, Whitehead said: “Simon knows our local and international business very well and has been an instrumental part of our company’s performance over a number of years. He has the drive and vision required for the next stage of our journey and the continued evolution of our brand portfolio.
“A great leader and passionate ambassador for our wider beer and hospitality industry, I can think of no one better to take us forward from here.”
Kerry added: “What this business has achieved over the past few years, particularly coming out of the pandemic and rebuilding in a very volatile economic environment, is a testament to the passion and commitment of our people and the strength of our brands. I feel privileged to take on this role and to have the opportunity to lead this business through its next chapter.”
Meanwhile, Manchester-based Kingsland Drinks Group has announced the appointment of Sarah Baldwin as its new Managing Director. She will lead the full-service drinks company from April 2025, leaving Purity Soft Drinks, where she has been Chief Executive for over six years. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Gü Puds (Managing Director), Arla Foods (VP Marketing UK), and Asda (Category Director).
Baldwin’s appointment follows the departure of Ed Baker, who led the business until November 2024 alongside Chairman Andy Sagar.
Sagar said: “Sarah’s extensive experience in drinks and the wider FMCG industry will play a considerable role in the coming years as we continue to build our position as a competitive full-service drinks company.
“We cater for every part of the drinks industry, from UK high street retailers and the national on trade, to global brands requiring a production and packing partner and challenger brands wishing to scale. We are confident that Sarah’s expertise and vision will continue to drive our company forward and help us deliver our long-term company vision – to build a better drinks industry and society. We welcome Sarah to the Kingsland family.”
Baldwin added: “I’m joining a talented and well-developed team in a unique business at an exciting time. I very much embrace the opportunity to embark on this new chapter at Kingsland Drinks Group and be part of how the firm grows in the long term.”
