Scot Courage picks UD boss as lager chief

Scottish Courage has appointed former United Distillers marketing chief Andy Neal to the new position of brands director for Kronenbourg, Miller and Beck’s.

It is understood that Neal – who joins Courage in January – will be closely involved with the appointment of a creative agency for the Kronenbourg brand. He will report to UK marketing director Tony McGrath.

Last month the brewer asked roster agencies M&C Saatchi, TBWA/London and Fallon to pitch for the £10m account after ending its 15-year relationship with Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R (MW November 15). A decision is expected later this week.

Neal is currently managing director at outdoor media company More Group in Scotland. His departure follows an internal restructure at the group, which involved the bulk of his responsibilities being allocated to the managing directors of the Adshel, More O’Ferrall and Taxi Media brands. A spokeswoman for More says he will not be replaced.

Before that Neal was UK marketing director at United Distillers (now Guinness UDV) for five years where he was responsible for brands including Bell’s whisky, Gordon’s Gin and Johnnie Walker. Neal left the spirits company after Guinness, UD’s parent, merged with Grand Metropolitan to form Diageo (MW April 6, 1998).

His appointment follows the news last week that Scottish Courage is restructuring its marketing department. The company has already moved its brands director for premium beers, Maurice Breen, who was previously responsible for Kronenbourg, into the new position of brands director for projects.

The new role of brands director for niche, local and speciality beers has yet to be filled.