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Tag: Ben Verhaert

  • Budweiser APAC announces key leadership changes in South Asia and East Asia

    Budweiser APAC announces key leadership changes in South Asia and East Asia

    MUMBAI: Reiterating its commitment to growth in the Asia Pacific region, Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited, part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s leading brewer today announced changes to its executive leadership teams in its South and East Asia business units. The company announced the appointment of Kartikeya Sharma as President – South Asia succeeding Ben Verhaert who is now appointed as President – East Asia. These leadership announcements further demonstrate the company’s commitment to drive accelerated growth, elevate go-to-market strategies and innovations, and cultivate talent from within.

    Commenting on this leadership announcement, Jan Craps, Executive Director & CEO, Budweiser APAC and President – APAC, AB InBev said, “I am pleased to announce key leadership changes to our India and South Korea teams which is a strong reflection of our strategic roadmap for the region. Ben and Kartikeya have played a vital role in our continued growth and success across geographies, transforming our portfolio, delivering strong brand growth and curating meaningful experiences to our consumers. With their deep understanding of the consumer coupled with the dynamics of the industry and commercial acumen, I am confident that Ben and Kartikeya in their new leadership roles will position us for continued success in APAC. I would also take this opportunity to thank Bruno Cosentino, the current President of East Asia for his many contributions to our company as he takes on a new leadership role to support our company’s growth in Africa.”

    Ben Verhaert has been with the company for nearly two decades and has a solid track record in sales, logistics and business unit management. He started his career with the company in Belgium quickly distinguishing himself through positions in field sales and as head of Off-Trade sales. He next served as country head of Luxembourg prior to leading Southern Europe operations as President where he accelerated topline and share growth in France & Italy. He took charge as President – South Asia business in May 2017 and led the integration with SABMiller to create One Team, One Culture and One Management System. Thanks to his strategic vision, he was able to stabilize the business in a volatile environment, delivering a solid topline growth and driving sustainable brand performance. He also spearheaded the company’s Better World dream, promoting beer as a drink of moderation and ease of doing business as well as sustainability initiatives in India. 

    Speaking on his new appointment, Ben Verhaert, President – South Asia, AB InBev said, “Asia is an exciting market for us and it is with mixed emotions that I leave India at what is an exciting moment. I am elated to join the team in South Korea. This is a great opportunity for me to drive our robust growth agenda in East Asia, reinforcing our leadership position, embracing innovative strategies to capture white-space opportunities along with building our commercial and digital capabilities. I look forward to working with the teams and growing our business in the region."

    Kartikeya brings over 14 years of experience in marketing and business development to his new role. He joined AB InBev in 2005 and led business development in Africa, Brand management of Corona in Labatt Breweries in Canada and was part of the team that set up the India business via a Joint Venture, where he managed both Marketing and Trade Marketing. As VP Marketing and more recently VP Sales, Kartikeya played an integral role in driving sustainable portfolio performance, profitable growth and led the team to achieve category-leading brand equity for Budweiser and Budweiser Magnum as well as several transformational initiatives.

    Moving into his new role, Kartikeya Sharma, Vice President Sales – India, AB InBev said, “I am humbled and excited to take on this new role and steer the company in South Asia. Ben has laid a strong foundation which I hope to build on and deliver on our business objectives. I see great opportunity ahead for the company in this market. I look forward to working with the teams, our business partners and all relevant stakeholders to tap into high-growth opportunities, supercharge our commercial innovations that will allow us to fortify our presence and deliver value to our consumers.”

    Both Ben and Kartikeya will report to Jan Craps, CEO Budweiser APAC and President – APAC, AB InBev. These appointments are effective 1 January 2020.

  • Ab Inbev forays into the non-alcohol beer segment in india

    Ab Inbev forays into the non-alcohol beer segment in india

    MUMBAI: World’s leading brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) today announced its foray in the Non-Alcohol beer segment here in India with the launch of its first non-alcohol beer, Budweiser 0.0. Brewed with the authentic character of its signature lager, Budweiser 0.0 is a high quality ‘anyone anywhere’ beverage that aims to foster inclusivity by catering to people who do not consume alcohol, opening up opportunities for them to discover the refreshing and crisp taste of the iconic Budweiser recipe. This introduction is in line with AB InBev’s Global Smart Drinking Goals to ensure that low and no-alcohol beer make up at least 20% of our global beer volume by 2025 and empower consumers through choice to enjoy beer freely and responsibly.

    The new variant is brewed using the iconic Budweiser recipe, with barley malt, choice hops, yeast, pure filtered water and the distinctive beechwood aging process; during the final stage of which the alcohol is removed through a special process to retain the taste that’s true to the standards of Budweiser.

    Commenting on the launch, Ben Verhaert, President – South Asia, AB InBev, said, “Budweiser is one of the fastest growing brands in the country and we are thrilled to add Budweiser 0.0 to our existing portfolio of brands here in India. While the market for non-alcohol beers is still nascent in India, as a leading brewer we see a great opportunity to grow this segment. The launch is in line with our Global Smart Drinking Goals to ensure that low and no alcohol beer make up at least 20% of our global beer volume by 2025. Beer is a drink of moderation and our objective is to offer our consumers various choices to enjoy beer freely and responsibly.” 

    Budweiser 0.0 will be available across modern retail channels and leading departmental stores in the top urban centers of the country – Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata as well as the prohibition state of Gujarat.

    Commenting on this, Kartikeya Sharma, Vice President Marketing – South Asia, AB InBev opined, “We are deeply committed to making our patrons feel as included as possible by offering them avenues to enjoy the signature taste of the iconic Budweiser freely and responsibly. We are mindful of the growing demand for conscious choices and Budweiser 0.0, brewed with quality ingredients like all our beers globally, offers a great alternative. We are bullish on the future of this industry and look forward to witness what is in store for us.”