Ex-Coke boss to steer Greenalls

Gin manufacturer G&J Greenall has appointed former Coca-Cola Company managing director for Benelux, Tony Sharpe, as managing director. He will replace David Rees, who is retiring in April next year, after being with the company for 38 years.

The marketing and sales director, Steve Ferris, will report to Sharpe. Both Ferris and Sharpe will oversee the appointment of an advertising agency for the distiller’s brand portfolio next year. A spokeswoman for the company says that the advertising budget has yet to be determined.

G&J Greenall’s brand portfolio includes Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin, Quintessential Warrington Dry Gin and ready-to-drink Greenall’s Gin & Tonic cans. It also manufactures various vodka and tequila brands.

The company is owned by pub and hotel operator the De Vere Group (formerly the Greenalls Group). The group sold its centuries-old beer brewing business in 1990 and did the same to its pubs business almost a decade later. It now concentrates on its upmarket hotels business; its sole tie to its former brewing operations is its G&J Greenall distillers business.

The rest of the company consists of 21 De Vere Hotels, 13 Village Leisure Hotels and 11 Greens Health & Fitness Clubs.