Sara Lee man to run Belhaven

Euan Venters, who helped launch Fosters draught in the UK and worked on brands such as Holsten, has been announced as the new managing director of Belhaven.

Venters is to take over from Stuart Ross at the Greene King-owned Scottish brewer and pub operato on 6 October.

A native Scot, Venters grew up in Glasgow and attended the University of Stirling where he graduated with an honours degree in Economics.

He was previously at Sara Lee, where he was global brand president for its Body Care business, which had a turnover in excess of $700m. Before that, he held senior roles in Sara Lee's household and body care business.

Before joining Sara Lee, Venters worked for Grand Metropolitan on major beer brands such as Holsten and the launch of Fosters draught in the UK.

Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand, said: "Euan loves beer and pubs and brings over 25 years experience building major branded consumer goods to Greene King and the Belhaven business.

"Euan takes over the reins from Stuart, whose long and distinguished career with Belhaven has seen him build the business into what it is today. I'd like to thank him for the legacy he leaves behind that goes beyond the financial performance of Belhaven.

"He has created, with the support of the management team, a very strong culture that reflects his passion and work ethic and a robust business model which has an enviable track record of success."

Venters, said: "As a Scot, I'm immensely proud to be given the opportunity to head up one of Scotland's most iconic brands. I'm looking forward to joining Belhaven as I'm fascinated by the integrated nature of the business and the brewing and pub retailing sector."

Ross said: "Belhaven has been the love of my working life. I have been very lucky to be the leader of a great team of talented people for many years now and I will miss them a lot. Belhaven is a fantastic business and I wish Euan well. I am very confident that the best is yet to come."