Scottish Courage rejigs role of brand directors

Scottish Courage has moved its brands director of premium beers, Maurice Breen, into the new position of brands director of projects, as part of a restructuring of its marketing department.

The reshuffle will see John Botia, brands director for lagers, take on the new role of brands director for Fosters and John Smiths. The company has also created two new positions, yet to be filled: brands director for Kronenbourg, Miller and Becks and brands director for niche, local and speciality beers.

The changes come as Scottish Courage reviews its &£10m Kronenbourg 1664 lager account, formerly held by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R. TBWA/London, M&C Saatchi and Fallon are pitching for the work (MW November 15).

Stuart Catchpole, former brands director for ales, remains innovation and new product development director, a post created earlier this year. Steve McCarney remains marketing services and commercial director.

All six directors will report to Scottish Courage marketing director Tony McGrath. A spokesman for the brewer says the restructure, to be completed in the new year, will not affect any advertising arrangements or result in any redundancies.

“Industry consolidation, competition and customer concentration all demand stronger brand focus,” says Tony McGrath. “Changing tastes and emerging opportunities must also be addressed. We are restructuring our marketing department to reflect this.”