John Roberts to leave Fuller's

John Roberts, managing director of Fuller's Beer Company, is leaving the company next week after 15 years with the business in order to pursue what he calls "new opportunities".

London-based Fuller's said in a statement that he is leaving the company on Monday.

Roberts joined the brewer and was appointed to its board in 1996, becoming managing director of the Fuller's Beer Company in 2006.

However last year he ceded overall control of the Beer Company to Simon Emeny, when the latter was made group managing director with responsibility for both Fuller's pub and brewing activities.

Michael Turner, Fuller's' executive chairman, said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank John for the contribution that he has made to Fuller's progress and particularly to the marketing of our beer brands during the past 15 years.

"We understand his personal wish to pursue new opportunities at this time and wish him well in his future career."

Roberts said he was very proud to have been a part of the team at Fuller's during an "exciting period" of substantial growth.

"Now is the right time for me to apply my skills to another challenge. I am looking forward to exploring new opportunities and I wish the company every continuing success."