S&N names new CEO

Foster’s brewer Scottish & Newcastle promoted an insider to its top job today after confirming the departure of chief executive Tony Froggatt.

John Dunsmore, who has been with the Edinburgh-based firm since 1996, will take the helm on November 1, although Mr Froggatt will remain with the business for a further three months.

It is a second major promotion for Mr Dunsmore this year, following his appointment as managing director of the company’s western Europe division, which includes the UK and Ireland operations.

S&N said it had carried out an “extensive succession review” before plumping for Mr Dunsmore, who is 48.

Mr Froggatt, an Australian, has been chief executive since May 2003, having joined from Seagram Spirits and Wine Group, where he was president of the firm’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division.

He said: “I am proud to be able to leave Scottish & Newcastle as a world-class branded beer business which is performing so well in so many dynamic markets.

“It’s a great company, with a great management team, and I am sure it will go from strength to strength.”