New managing director to develop Greene King's real ales
The new boss of Greene King's beers and brewing has assured customers that he believes in the potential for developing real ale brands.
Rooney Anand is to join the Suffolk brewer and pub company as a main board director and managing director of its brands and brewing division on August 6, as revealed on thePublican.com on June 12.
Speaking for the first time since his appointment, he said: "Greene King is a dynamic company with excellent brands and some very talented people.
"It's been performing well, even in tough market conditions and its commitment to cask and traditional beer shines through.
"The investment the company has put into its brands is vindicated by the continued growth in sales of Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA.
"Clearly, there is still potential to be exploited and I look forward to being part of a team who are able demonstrate that real cask beers can perform well if they are carefully nurtured by the brewers and supply chain and vigorously promoted by the marketeers.
"I'm looking forward to working with the team and providing a fresh perspective to ensure development and continued growth in the future."
He was previously at Sara Lee Bakery UK, where his career had developed from marketing director to managing director. He was instrumental in securing the future of the UK company and its employees during the recent acquisition of Sara Lee Bakery by Hibernia Foods.
His knowledge of retailing in general and the fast-moving consumer goods market in particular puts him in a strong position to add value to the brewer's expanding business.
Rooney, 37, grew up in Walsall, West Midlands, and attended Queen Mary's Grammar School. He is married with three children.
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Bakery boss to head Greene King brewing (June 12, 2001)
