Former chief returns to Bass Brewers
Interbrew has brought back a former boss of Bass' brewing arm to head the business.
Jerry Fowden (pictured) is taking over, with immediate effect, as chief executive of Bass Brewers from Iain Napier, who has decided to resign.
Mr Fowden was customer service and sales director for the company, which brews Carling, Worthington and Caffrey's, before becoming chief operating officer from 1994 to 1996.
He left Bass to become chief executive of Hero Group Beverages and then managing director of Rank Group's Holidays division, which included Butlins, Haven, Warner and Oasis holiday camps. He left at the end of last month after the business was sold to Bourne Leisure.
Mr Fowden takes on the new job as well as the role of an executive vice president of Interbrew.
The Belgian brewer bought Bass' brewing arm last year for £2.3bn but was ordered to sell it by Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers. Interbrew is awaiting the decision of the High Court after last week's judicial review when it asked for less stringent demands over the disposal.
Mr Napier, who was Mr Fowden's successor as chief executive of Bass Brewers, said: "As the judicial review process draws to its conclusion, I feel it is an appropriate time for me to move on and pursue other interests."
Interbrew chief executive Hugo Powell said, "I am delighted to welcome Jerry back to the Bass organisation. Given his close knowledge of the UK beverage industry, Jerry was a deliberate choice to ensure a smooth transition, stability and continuity at this time."
Before joining Bass, Mr Fowden was European sales director for Pepsi Cola International.
Related stories:
Interbrew in court over Bass Brewers (April 26, 2001)
Bass boss calls for free merger (October 30, 2000)
