Meantime invests in sales team after CEO Miller steps down

Miller passed the tiller to Meantime’s new general manager Laura Edwards on 31 March, when the craft brewer’s current owner SABMiller made assurances that the brewery would continue to be run independently.

Nine new sales managers will be appointed by the firm to cover the on-trade nationwide, sales director of Meantime Brewing Company Mel Smith said.

“The appointments follow continued growth and demand for pioneering craft beers in the on-trade, nationwide,” she said.

The nine new roles​

Four of the nine roles will focus on London and the south-east of England, which is Meantime’s heartland, with the other five roles covering Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Brighton and Bristol.

Smith said: “Meantime has been at the forefront of modern craft beer since we were founded in 1999 and the demand for quality beers has grown exponentially over that time.

“Four years ago we formed our sales team in London with just four managers, but with close customer relationships at the heart of our business, we will continue to focus on supporting our customers as our footprint grows.”

Meanwhile, new GM Edwards joined the brand after fronting Miller Brand’s premium beer portfolio and boosting the reach of the category.

Miller Brands​

Nick Miller managed Miller Brands, the UK arm of SABMiller, until 2011 when he left to join Meantime. However, Meantime was purchased by SABMiller in May 2015 before it again changed hands after a deal with AB InBev last November.

Several brands including Meantime, Grolsch and Peroni were set to be sold off by AB InBev to assist competition rules.  

As a result, Meantime are set for ownership by Japanese brewery Asahi  following the finalisation of the proposed acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev.

Last month, when Edwards’ appointment was announced, Miller said: “It has been a privilege to lead such a wonderful group of people at Meantime and to work with a great group of other customers, as we have taken Meantime beers to more and more outlets and built a loyal following both here in the UK and abroad.”