USA: International Beverage Holdings appoints 2 zone vice presidents

John Lennon, president of IBHL USA, Inc. announced the appointment of two seasoned beer and spirits professionals to lead the company's newly formed sales divisions. Patrick J. Graney was named Zone Vice President Sales - West and Richard Brundage will take the reins as Zone Vice President Sales - East.

Both gentlemen report to Lennon and will be charged with growing IBHL's diverse international portfolio of branded Asian spirits and beer throughout North America, including Chang Beer, Thailand's No. 1 beer, and a top-seller throughout the Asia-Pacific region. IBHL USA is one of five global regional offices of International Beverage Holdings Ltd., which is the international arm of Asia's leading drinks business, The Thai Beverage Public Company Ltd. (ThaiBev), headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. International Beverage Holdings Ltd. exports brands to more than 80 countries and operates four other regional offices in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.

The hiring of Graney and Brundage equips IBHL USA, Inc. with a leadership team possessing a wealth of both beer and spirits experience in the North American marketplace and exhibiting a notable track record of success in building powerful and lasting brands.

Graney, who has nearly three decades experience in the beverage industry, joins IBHL USA, Inc. from Bacchus Energy of America, Bell, Calif., where he was general manager of Bacchus' beverage company. From 2001 - 2004, Graney was Vice President and Division Manager for Beck's North America's 13-state Western Division. He also held senior positions with Labatt USA, Wisdom Import Sales Company and Moctezuma Import Sales Co. Graney's spirits experience includes growing brand share for Grand Met (now Diageo) and Seagram Inc.

Brundage makes the jump to IBHL USA, Inc. from Mike's Hard Lemonade (Mark Anthony Group, Inc.), where he served as vice president of sales. His experience includes executive positions with the Import Division of Miller Brewing Company and Pilsner Urquell U.S.A. Inc., both subsidiaries of South African Breweries. Brundage spent a decade working for Guinness Import Company, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Manager of the Southern Division, a position he held for six years. He also was with Dunlop Maxfli Sports Corporation, where he was vice president, Corporate Development/Americas.

"The addition of Pat and Rich gives us a powerful team, who have proven their ability to grow super-premium brands, to move rapidly and effectively grow our business in North America," said Lennon. "These two guys are among the best in the business and I am delighted to be working with them to develop our excellent portfolio of super-premium international brands here in the USA."

In commenting on joining IBHL USA, Inc., Graney said, "This is an exciting company with a tremendous opportunity to introduce new international brands to American consumers. We are setting an aggressive course for expansion and I am glad to be a part of it."

Commenting on his appointment Brundage added, "The IBHL USA portfolio is first class, which provides a huge opportunity for rapid growth and success. I am thrilled to play a key role in making it happen."

Note to the Editor:

About IBHL USA, Inc.:

IBHL USA is one of five global regional offices of International Beverage Holdings Ltd., which has been established to be the international arm of Asia's leading drinks business, The Thai Beverage Public Company Ltd (ThaiBev), headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. International Beverage Holdings Ltd. is responsible for the group's international development including the growth of a strong portfolio of beverage alcohol brands encompassing spirits, beer and wine and other beverage categories in the international arena. The company exports brands to over 80 countries and operations are managed out of five regional offices located in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and New York City.

ThaiBev was founded in October 2003 and owns 16 distilleries and 3 breweries. ThaiBev's brands include Chang, Thailand's No. 1 beer; Mekhong and Sangsom Rum both ranked in the top 100 spirits brands in the World by IMPACT Magazine. ThaiBev was recently listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization of over US$4 Billion.

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