Global Brands announces new managing director

A number of management changes have been announced at independent drinks company, Global Brands.

Steve Perez has relinquished his position as managing director to Mark James, previously sales director, who will now oversee the day-to-day running of the business.

Perez, now chairman, will concentrate on growing Global Brands' product portfolio. It currently includes RTD brand Vodka Kick and vodka shooter Corky's.

Derek Mackey, has been appointed as the company's new sales director and will take over from where Mark James left off. His role will see him leading Global Brands' 35-strong sales team and being responsible for the sales activity of all of the company's brands.

Mackey joins Global Brands following six years working as sales controller - on-premise for Heineken UK.

The appointments come as Global Brands announces the launch of a dedicated "Premium Brands Division", which has been set up in a bid to increase the penetration of the company's range of premium spirits brands, including Myers's Rum, Goldschlager Schnapps, Sobieski vodka and Ypioca Cachaca.

Following an end to distribution deals for imported beers Tsingtao, Viru and Carib, they have been replaced by Estonian Saku Kuld, Bulgarian Zagorka Special, and Belgian Abbey Style beer Peerdebrug Blond.

Justin Horsman also takes on the role of trade marketing manager, developing trade marketing activity as well as raising the profile of Global's beer brands.

Horsman joins Global Brands following the recent acquisition of Fullback Imports, which he had owned and operated together with his business partner Neil Robinson since April 2007.

Robinson also joins the Global Brands team as a senior national account manager.