Michael Turner gets top job at Fuller's

Michael Turner, Fuller Smith & Turner's chief executive, is to become the brewer's executive chairman when Anthony Fuller retires at next year's AGM.

Mr Fuller told the group's investors he intended to remain on the board as a non-executive director for a further three years after his retirement.

Announcing Mr Turner's appointment at the company's' AGM today, Mr Fuller also revealed that with immediate effect Simon Emeny - currently the brewer's retail director - is to be promoted to the position of managing director of Fuller's Inns, and beer and brands director John Roberts becomes managing director of the Fuller's Beer Company.

Mr Fuller also told investors at today's meeting that like-for-like sales of the combined Fuller's and Gales businesses rose 4.2 per cent for the 16 weeks to July 22.

"As reported in the preliminary results on 9th June 2006, integration of the Gales operations into the Fuller's estate is complete and the group is seeing the significant benefits of its acquisition including related synergies," he said.

"I remain enthusiastic about the year ahead and expect to see progress in the combined business in line with our targets."