Greene King picks Sara Lee chief to head brands

Greene King has appointed Sara Lee Bakery’s UK chief, Rooney Anand, as managing director of its brands and brewing division.

Anand was at the forefront of Sara Lee Bakery’s purchase by Hibernia Foods. Sara Lee is looking for a new UK managing director to replace Anand, whose role includes overall responsibility for marketing. The new managing director will oversee the company’s two divisions – retail and food service (catering) – and will report to Hibernia chairman and chief executive, Oliver Murphy.

Greene King’s brands include Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA.

A spokesman for Greene King says: “Anand’s knowledge of retailing puts him in a strong position to add value to our expanding businesses.”

Anand says: “This is a dynamic company with excellent brands which has been performing well in tough market conditions.

“There is still potential to be exploited and I look forward to being part of a team which is able to demonstrate real cask beers can perform well if they are nurtured by the brewers and supply chain.”

Anand, who will also sit on the Greene King board, starts his new job on August 6.

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