Richard Evans to leave InBev UK & Ireland

Richard Evans, president of InBev's UK and Ireland operation, is to leave the company after barely two years in the job.

In an announcement today InBev said he was being replaced by Stuart MacFarlane, currently InBev's Global Director of Customer Standards.

The announcement gave no reason for Evans' departure, although the brewer's UK volumes fell in the third quarter last year by 5.2 per cent, lower than the market decline of 5.7 per cent.

Less than three months ago Evans was relishing the opportunity to grow InBev's share of the UK beer market. Now those ambitions have been abruptly terminated.

MacFarlane's new role marks his return to the UK after time spent at InBev's global headquarters.

After joining the company in 1992 he has held a range of senior roles in finance, sales, marketing and general management in the UK and Ireland business before taking up his current global assignment.

"I'm delighted and excited to be leading the InBev UK and Ireland team - taking forward our strategy for 2008 and beyond.

"I would like to pay tribute to the significant contribution that Richard has made to the business during his 14 years of service and recognise his achievements and the work that he has put into InBev. I wish Richard all the best for the future."

Evans said: "It has been a privilege to lead the UK business over the last two years and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with InBev.

"However the time is right for me to move on and seek new challenges. I know Stuart well, he is a great guy, and I wish him and the team every success in the future."