Colombia: Bavaria’s Board of Directors appointed new President

Bavaria S.A., the largest beverages company in Colombia, announced on January 24 that its Board of Directors appointed Karl Lippert – current Managing Director of the Poland operation – as the new President of Bavaria. Karl Lippert shall take office since February thirteen next and shall report to Barry Smith, SABMiller’s Managing Director for Latin America.

Lippert, who joined the South African Brewery in 1992, has an important experience in the world brewing industry. The last three positions he has had have been Executive Director of Kompania Piwowarska (‘KP’) in Poland since 2003 (to present); in the past he had been Executive Director of Dreher in Hungary and Sales and Distribution Director for SABMiller Europe, based in Budapest (Hungary).

Under Karl Lippert’s management in Poland, SABMiller has increased its market share from 31% to 38%, and has quite successfully implemented important initiatives in the development and innovation of brands; for example, the transformation of Zubr beer (‘Bison’) from a small regional position to the second largest brand and with greatest growth in Poland. Likewise, the products launched during the same term have reached a large participation in Poland’s market, and its brands have been awarded important recognition during 2005.

“Karl has built up a first class team in Poland, to compete with any company in the world, and brings an ample experience in the development of products, brands and trade to Bavaria. I am sure he will share the same enthusiasm, management and vision with the Colombians, which will be highly beneficial to our clients and consumers, employees and shareholders”, assured Barry Smith, SABMiller’s Regional director for Latin America. He added that Bavaria, together with Karl Lippert’s experience shall certainly strengthen its global standards for the benefit of the consumers, employees, shareholders and the Colombian economy.

On the other hand, Karl Lippert highlighted that Bavaria has an excellent background and reputation, which SABMiller intends to continue and increase in the future. Upon receiving notice about his appointment, he seemed very proud to be able to join the successful Bavaria team. The new President of the brewing company, who already visited the country, referred to Colombia as a vibrant country where he already wants to return.

Mr. Lippert has a great ability to pick up new languages. He speaks fluently English, French, German and Afrikaans, and has a good knowledge in Polish. When he knew about his appointment as Bavaria’s new president, he expressed his commitment in the learning of Spanish.

Karl Lippert’s professional experience:

SABMiller Poland, Kompania Piwowarska
2003 – 2006
Executive Director of Kompania Piwowarska, the leading and most respectable brewing and beverages company in Poland.

SABMiller Hungary – Dreher Sörgyárak
2003
Executive Director of Dreher Sörgyárak, brewing company in Hungary.

SABMiller Europe
2000 – 2003
Sales and Distribution Director for SABMiller’s business in Europe which covers 8 countries: Poland, The Czech Republic, Italy, Russia, Hungary, Rumania and the Canary Islands.

South African Brewing Companies
1992 – 1999
Positions: General Manager, Distribution Services Manager and Operations Manager.

SABMiller plc is one of the largest brewing companies in the world, with distribution agreements in more than 60 countries in five continents. The group’s brands include international premium beers, such as Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni, Nastro, Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an outstanding series of local leading brands in the market. Outside the United States, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottling companies for Coca Cola products in the world.

During the annual term ending on March 31, 2005, the group reported profits before taxes of US$2,194 billion and income for US$14,543 billion. SABMiller plc’s hares are quoted in the London and Johannesburg stock exchange markets.
This announcement is available at the web page of the company www.sabmiller.com
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Bavaria S.A. is the largest beverages company in Colombia. Its beer brands Águila, Águila Light, Póker, Costeña, Pilsen, Club Colombia, Brava, Costeñita, Pony Malta, Agua Brisa, Agua Brisa with gas, Tutti Fruti, Malta Leona, Malta Leona Cool, Cola y Pola, are the leading brands in Colombia.

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