Nicolson on top in S&N merger

Courage marketing chief John Nicolson is to take the top marketing job at Scottish Courage, the brewing giant formed from its takeover by Scottish & Newcastle, say sources.

It is understood Nicolson will be made marketing director when the takeover is approved by the Department of Trade & Industry later this month. Other senior Courage marketing staff will join Nicolson at the new venture.

S&N’s marketing director Richard Gibb will become managing director of the merged company or md of its take home division.

S&N chairman and managing director Guy Dixon will be appointed chairman. He is recruiting a management team for both the brewing and take home arms. The overall marketing department will be located in Scotland.

Dixon has already started a search for a new team at the merged take home sales arm. Besides an md, he is looking for a marketing director.

S&N take home has been without a managing director for 18 months, since md Tony Morgan left. Finance director Jim Stevenson has held the acting role. The organisation has been without a marketing director since the departure of Jamie Semple in February.