Ex-head marketer returns to Coors as UK chief exec

Coors Brewers, the UK brewing arm of Molson Coors, has brought back former marketing chief Mark Hunter as its new chief executive. He replaces Peter Swinburn, who has been appointed chief executive of the US business.

Hunter, formerly the marketing and international development director, was responsible for launching the Coors brand in the UK in 2003. He moved to the company’s Canadian business as chief commercial officer in 2005.

The role was created specifically for him and covered all brand marketing, media, sales, sports and entertainment activities (MW April 14, 2005).

During his time in the UK, Hunter was also responsible for the launch of Carling Extra Cold and was part of the team that established Grolsch as a major premium lager in the UK. His role was expanded to include responsibility for export markets and business unit strategy when Bass Brewers was acquired by the Coors Brewing Company in 2002.

Hunter joined Bass Brewers in 1989 and held a number of positions in the marketing function before joining the board of Bass Brewers in 1997 as marketing director responsible for the Bass Brewers brand portfolio.

Leo Kiely, chief executive officer of Molson Coors Brewing Company, says: “Mark has extensive knowledge and insight on the UK market. His keen sense of how to market brands in different cultures and his strategic thinking will be key to our Europe and Asia business.”