Bakery boss to head Greene King brewing

Greene King is to bring in a leading figure from the bakery industry to look after its beers.

Its new managing director of brewing and brands will be Rooney Anand, 37, who joins from meat and bakery products giant Sara Lee.

He has been president and managing director of Sara Lee's UK bakery division, which last year generated sales of £50m. It manufactured, marketed and distributed frozen baked goods under the Sara Lee name and private label brands.

The division was sold last week to Dublin-based Hibernia Foods, which makes branded cakes and ready-meals including the Hibernia, Majestic, Mr. Brain's and Napolina brands.

Mr Anand, who was at United Biscuits before joining Sara Lee, will join the Suffolk brewer's board in the next three months.

He replaces Brian Field, who took early retirement last August after 14 years at Greene King and went on to become managing director of Essex brewer Ridleys.

Greene King chief executive Tim Bridge said: "We believe Rooney Anand will add considerable value to our brewing and brands division."

The appointment appears to reflect the group's belief that beer and pubs can learn from the fast-moving consumer goods (fmcg) sector.

Last year, it brought in Neil Gillis, 36, as managing director of Greene King Pub Company. He came from Heinz, where he was managing director of the Linda McCartney food business. Like Mr Anand, he also worked previously for United Biscuits.

Greene King's beer brands include Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles County.