Moves

Marcus Bewley joins Marston's Pub Co

Marcus Bewley has joined Marston's Pub Company from Spirit Group

as drinks promotions manager. The pubco said he will support retailers and strengthen "behind the bar" trade.

Bewley is responsible for the production of the company's retailer-led magazine Bar Runner, a tool for communicating deals and promotions to its pubs.

Bewley said: "Marston's has an excellent pub-company estate with a successful track record, and I am looking forward to strengthening our supplier relations and helping our retailers to grow their trade."

Bewley will report in to Dave Percival, catergory manager in the marketing and development department, who said: "This is a key role for the company. Marcus and I will be working closely together to ensure that we are helping our retailers build their trade and improve their profit through our range and promotions."

Pernod Ricard gets two deputy MDs

Drinks giant Pernod Ricard, which recently acquired Absolut, has appointed two new deputy managing directors. Thierry Billot and Michel Bord start at the beginning of July.

Billot has been appointed as deputy managing director in charge of brands. He will be responsible for determining strategic brands' policies. Bord has been promoted to deputy managing director in charge of the distribution network. His duties include the organisation and control of the group's distribution networks, as well as the implementation of brands' strategies in the markets, working together with Billot.

Since January 2002, Billot has been chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Europe. Bord has been chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Americas from January 2006.

Innovate lands two top consultants

Independent-pub catering expert Ben Bartlett has joined Innovate as a food development consultant.

Bartlett has more than 20 years' experience in the industry, having worked for a number of pub groups including Mitchells & Butlers and Charles Wells. His last position was catering development manager at Marston's Pub Company. He is renowned for his barbecuing skills, which earned him the title of "Britain's Best BBQer".

Also joining the Innovate development team on a consultancy basis is Rachel Kirby Vine, a food design specialist. Rachel has nearly 20 years' experience in the food and drink sector. She has held senior food development roles with a number of companies, including Whitbread. The firm said she is widely regarded as an industry expert.

Tony Dumbreck, Innovate Food managing director, said: "We are delighted to announce our partnership with two of the industry's leading experts."