USA: Anheuser-Busch announces key personnel moves

Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. announced changes in four key management positions, in its press release, April 27.

As the company works to expand its global presence and grow its international sales, it is combining the experience of two executives to achieve those objectives. Thomas W. Santel, who has served as vice president of the company’s corporate planning for the past 11 years, has been named president and CEO, Anheuser-Busch International, Inc., while retaining his corporate planning responsibilities.

For 10 years, Santel has been a member of the board of Grupo Modelo, the largest brewer in Mexico and important source of equity revenue for Anheuser-Busch. He also has managed Anheuser-Busch’s import business into Mexico for the Budweiser and Bud Light brands.

As head of the corporation’s planning department, Santel oversees analysis of the world beer markets, establishing growth priorities for the corporation and creating its short- and long-term financial plans. In his new role, Santel also will assume overall responsibilities for the United Kingdom, Europe, South America and Asia Operations, in addition to his current international responsibilities for Mexico.

Santel has served as a member of the company’s strategy committee, which is responsible for corporate policies and strategic direction, since 1996. He also is a board member of Busch Entertainment Corp.

“Tom has played a key role in developing our successful partnership with Grupo Modelo and has provided valuable strategic input for our business around the world,” said August A. Busch IV, president and chief executive officer of Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc. “Tom’s guidance will continue to drive our international growth, which is critical to our overall success.”

To increase Anheuser-Busch’s focus on the world’s largest and fastest-growing beer market, Stephen J. Burrows has been named president and CEO, Asia Pacific Operations for Anheuser-Busch International, Inc. Burrows will be responsible for the company’s expansion and long-term growth in China through its Budweiser and Harbin businesses and its investment in China’s largest brewer, Tsingtao, and throughout Asia, which is a key initiative of Anheuser-Busch.

Burrows has been with Anheuser-Busch for 28 years and serves on the company’s strategy committee. He also serves on the boards of Anheuser-Busch International, Inc.; Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd.; Harbin Brewery Group Ltd; and Crown Beers India Ltd. Burrows has overseen the integration of the Harbin breweries into the Anheuser-Busch system and the wide-reaching government and business relationships that are fundamental to a successful enterprise in China.

“Steve has deep experience in the complex and fast-changing Chinese beer industry, and has led Anheuser-Busch’s success in what has become the largest beer market in the world,” said Busch IV. “This new role will allow him to continue to develop our business in a region that is of growing importance to our future.”

In addition to the international moves, Busch IV announced changes in technology and human resources positions. Recognizing the growing impact of technology on its business, Joseph P. Castellano has been named vice president and chief information officer, with responsibility for the company’s information technology and systems. In his new position, Castellano will oversee technology applications to help drive top line growth, operating efficiencies and the rapid deployment of information vital to Anheuser-Busch’s business. Castellano continues to serve on the company’s strategy committee.

“Over the past 24 years, Joe has served the company in roles ranging from human resources and retail marketing to wholesaler operations. His diverse background and experience in so many areas of our business enable him to bring a unique perspective of the evolving technology needs of our organization,” said Busch IV.

Replacing Castellano is John T. (Tim) Farrell, who has been named vice president, corporate human resources. Farrell joins Anheuser-Busch’s strategy committee and will direct human resource strategy, staffing, training, development, compensation, benefits and security for the company. Prior to his current role, Farrell spent 11 years as vice president of employee benefits.

“Tim’s deep experience as a human resources professional will bring in-depth knowledge of the issues facing employers, which will be a tremendous asset to our company as we seek to attract and retain a competitive, high-performance work force,” said Busch IV.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.4 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in China brewer Tsingtao, whose namesake beer brand is the country’s best selling premium beer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine’s Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2007. Anheuser Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world’s largest recyclers of aluminum cans.

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