UK & South Africa: SABMiller appoints Group Technical Director

SABMiller plc, one of the world's leading brewers, announced August 03 the appointment of Dr Neil MacGilp as Group Technical Director, effective 1 October 2006. This is a newly created position at the company.

Reporting to Tony van Kralingen, SAB Ltd Managing Director and the group director currently responsible for the global technical function, Neil, who has a Ph.D in Chemistry from Edinburgh University, joins the business from Procter & Gamble, where he was Director of Corporate Package and Device Development in Europe. During his 30 year career with the company, he held a number of positions in Product and Package R&D, and Device and Technology Development.

Based in the UK, Neil will lead a group wide technical function with responsibility for developing a product-focused technical strategy. This will include responsibility for processes that will direct, organise, plan and control the pipeline of innovation projects for the group. Neil will lead a team including the heads of brewing, packaging & design technology, capital projects & engineering and manufacturing development.

Commenting on the appointment, SAB Ltd Managing Director Tony van Kralingen said: “Innovation in both product and packaging is much more important to consumers who require increasing diversity, creativity and originality, and therefore is a significant focus of our business into the future. Neil is ideally placed to bring his expertise in both areas to the company and we look forward to his joining our team and taking the company to the cutting edge of innovation.”

Dr Neil MacGilp said: “Working for one of the world’s largest brewers will be a significant challenge, but will allow me to use my experience in packaging, design and innovation to its fullest extent. SABMiller’s global reputation for innovation and efficiency will provide me and the team with a wonderful opportunity into the future.”

SABMiller plc is one of the world’s largest brewers with brewing interests or distribution agreements in over 60 countries across five continents. The group’s brands include premium international beers such as Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an exceptional range of market leading local brands. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.

In the year ended 31 March 2006, the group reported US$2,626 million adjusted pre-tax profit and a turnover of US$15,307 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

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