John Harley leaves Budweiser Budvar UK
Budweiser Budvar UK has confirmed the sudden departure of chief executive John Harley.
No party could confirm the reason behind this parting of ways, but it is felt that there had been growing tension between Mr Harley and his bosses in Prague.
Denis Cox, public relations controller for Budvar UK, said: "In my opinion there was a clash of cultures between John and the brewery. But I think any disagreement was about style over substance."
He has been replaced in the interim by current financial director Tony Jennings.
Mr Harley told The Publican that the split was agreeable: "It is a wrench leaving a brand that I have spent a good few years building up in the UK. And I am sure at some point it will feel like a gaping hole in my life. But I am happy about everything. It was a very amicable parting."
The timing of this decision is surprising following Mr Harley's recent appointment as chairman of National Organisation for Imported Beers (NOFIBS), a new trade association which seeks to raise the profile of genuine imported beers in the UK.
However, Mr Harley, who was instrumental in the formation of the organisation does hope to carry on in his current role with the organisation. "It is not really my decision if I stay in NOFIBS. I have put it to the members to vote on whether I stay or not - it is their decision. I would like to stay on very much as I do intend to stay in the industry."
Mr Harley was appointed chief executive in 2001, when the UK arm of Budvar was set up, after the Czech brewer decided against renewing its distribution contract with BB Supply.
