Anheuser-Busch Reshuffles Executive Team

Anheuser-Busch Reshuffles Executive Team

Dave Peacock, who had been vice president of business operations, is swapping roles with Mike Owens, who had been vice president of marketing, the St. Louis brewer told employees late Wednesday, a company official confirmed. Mr. Peacock is close to August Busch IV, Anheuser's chief executive, and is highly regarded by the company's beer distributors. Mr. Busch told employees that Mr. Peacock will focus on reviving the company's main brands.

Among other changes, Marlene Coulis, formerly vice president of brand management, will take on the role of vice president of consumer strategy and innovation. Keith Levy, formerly vice president of sales and retail marketing, will become vice president of brand management and geo marketing.

The moves mark the first significant management changes by Mr. Busch since he became CEO last December. The changes were reported earlier Wednesday by industry publication Beer Business Daily, which cited an internal company memorandum. A management reshuffling had been widely rumored in recent weeks, in part because of Anheuser's sluggish sales. For the second quarter, the company reported a mere 0.1% increase in sales to retailers in the U.S.

Anheuser is the largest U.S. beer maker by sales, controlling a little less than half the market. Its best-selling brands are Bud Light and Budweiser.

The management changes, announced following Anheuser's September board meeting, take effect Oct. 1.

Anheuser shares are up 3% this year. The stock rose 16 cents to $50.59 in 4 p.m. New York Stock Exchange composite trading Wednesday.