New CEO for Anheuser-Busch

CHICAGO -- Anheuser-Busch CEO Joao Castro Neves has stepped down from his role to pursue other opportunities. Brussels-based Anheuser-Busch InBev appointed Michel Doukeris as zone president North America and CEO of Anheuser-Busch on Jan. 1. Doukeris previously served as chief sales officer of AB InBev. He succeeds Neves, who will support Doukeris during a transitional period, AB InBev said.

“The U.S. is our most important market, and we recognize the need to continue to focus on driving top-line growth across our portfolio,” said Carlos Brito, CEO of AB InBev. “Michel has extensive experience delivering results for our business worldwide, including helping to grow Budweiser globally and launching The High End business strategy, which now represents $5 billion of sales. He is the ideal person to lead North America at this time, together with an emerging group of leaders being elevated in the company.”

Doukeris said he will focus on working in partnership with A-B wholesalers to build “lasting relationships with our customers and business partners. We have a great team in the U.S. and Canada. I know that together we can grow our business with our portfolio of iconic brands.”

Over the course of his 20-year tenure at AB InBev, Doukeris developed AB InBev’s premium portfolio, launched new-product portfolios and entered new markets. As chief sales officer, he led sales strategy globally, including providing strategic insight into the company’s long-term growth plans.

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Irial Finan, a 36-year veteran of the Coca-Cola system, will retire March 31 from his post as executive vice president and president of Coca-Cola Co.’s Bottling Investments Group, or BIG. Calin Dragan, who currently is regional director for BIG’s ASEAN (Southeast Asia) and Middle East bottlers, will be promoted to lead BIG. Dragan, who began his new role on Jan. 1, will oversee BIG operations globally. BIG, which will continue to play a significant role in contributing to Coca-Cola’s overall growth, is now largely concentrated in the Asia Pacific region. The company continues to work toward refranchising Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, which is part of BIG.