Tennent’s owner unveils new managing director

TOURISM sector veteran Alastair Campbell has been unveiled as the new managing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries (TCB), succeeding Brian Calder.

Campbell, who was most recently global brand director at youth-focused travel company Contiki Holidays, co-founded Scottish tour operator Haggis Adventures in 1993 and spent 17 years with the business.

His appointment comes after Calder, the former boss of Irvinebased wine and spirits wholesaler Wallaces Express, completed its integration with the Glasgow beer producer. TCB’S parent company, the Irish drinks group C&C, took full control of the Wallaces operation last year.

Campbell, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, said: “I’m thrilled to take up the managing director role with such an iconic Scottish business.

“Two of my career passions are building strong commercial relationships and driving business growth. I look forward to bringing these skills and working with the team to shape the latest successful chapter in the history of the Tennent’s business in supporting our customers across Scotland.”

C&C, which also makes cider brands Bulmers, Gaymers and Magners, said last month that its business north of the Border had been held back by the introduction of tougher drink-drive laws at the end of last year.

Scottish operating profits at the firm rose 1.8 per cent to €39.2 million (£28m) for the year to 28 February, but it said growth would have been stronger had it not faced “challenging trading conditions” in the wake of stricter legislation.

The group as a whole posted a full-year loss of €67.8m, against a previous profit of €95.5m, as its cider business came up against stiff competition. It also took a €150m impairment charge on its US operations.