Moves

Hyman joins First Drinks Brands

First Drinks Brands, the distributor of Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky, Hendrick's gin and Russian Standard premium vodka has appointed John Hyman as its new UK sales director. He joins the company from Dairy Crest where he was sales director for the convenience channel. Hyman began his career with the Danone Group and has held a number of senior sales and category roles, including six years with HJ Heinz.

In his new role, Hyman will implement a variety of strategies in key areas of the UK business across the multiple, convenience and on-trade sectors.

"I have joined First Drinks Brands at a very exciting time," said Hyman. "The global market has seen a surge in demand for premium brands and there is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on these trends."

PLB creates two new beer-division roles

PLB Group, the distributor of premium Brazilian beer brand Palma Louca, has expanded its beer division with the creation of two roles. The new positions have been designed to aid the company's move into the branded product arena in both the on and off-trade.

Mark Johnson, below left, has been appointed as beer division director. The position sees him take on full responsibility for the beer team, brand growth strategy and sales for the worldwide marketplace. Johnson joins PLB from Young's Brewery where he was off-trade controller for eight years and one of the driving forces behind Young's becoming one of the top UK off-trade premium bottled ales suppliers. Prior to this he held positions with Allied Domecq and Rémy Cointreau.

Also joining the team is Martin Howe as senior national account manager and brand manager for Palma Louca. Howe, below right, brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the off-trade beer market, having previously held senior national account manager roles at Corona distributor Wells & Young's and Greene King.

PLB took the decision to expand its beer division into the branded product market in the latter part of 2007. Historically a key own-label and bespoke brand supplier, the company is now focusing on marketing branded premium packaged beers and ciders from Brazil, Spain, the Czech Republic and Lithuania.

Thomas moves to Wells & Young's

Stefanie Thomas has joined Wells & Young's Brewing Company as the primary distribution co-ordinator, having previously worked for a supplier of branded sports clothing, supplying to the high street in the shipping and distribution department.

Thomas' role at Wells & Young's will see her dealing with communicating daily orders to the primary haulier.