Liston to join Musgrave after heading Heineken Ireland for 14 years

HIGH-PROFILE brewing executive Pádraig Liston is to leave Heineken Ireland to join retail giant Musgrave Group.

The former Kerry footballer said yesterday Musgrave Group came knocking on his door at the right time after 14 years as general manager of the brewers of Murphy’s Stout.

Mr Liston, 47, is to take up the post of commercial director of Musgrave, which has sales of €3.5 billion.

A chartered accountant, Mr Liston grew sales at Heineken Ireland to €300 million a year, sustaining the lager as the leader in the Irish market. If Mr Liston stayed with Heineken, it is certain that his next posting would have been to a key overseas position in the global brewing giant’s empire.

The former teacher was a natural in the drinks industry, having been exposed to the trade in the family-owned public house in Ballybunion, County Kerry at an early age.

“I leave with mixed emotions after 14 great years with the company.

“I have made firm friends and leave behind a company in fine shape with excellent staff,” he said.

Married with three children it is understood that Mr Liston is delighted that his new job, which he takes up on March 3, is based in Cork.

He stands down from Heineken in February of next year.