Brian Blake To Step Down As DB Breweries" MD
One of New Zealand’s longest standing business leaders, Brian Blake, has announced he is stepping down as Managing
Director of DB Breweries but will remain with the company in the capacity as Chairman.
A respected veteran of the New Zealand beer industry, Mr Blake has been the CEO/MD of DB for the past 20 years since
originally joining the company in 1983 as Finance Director to DB’s Central Region based in Wellington.
Mr Blake says he feels the time is right to move on, especially as he leaves DB in an extremely strong financial
position. Despite a declining beer market and tough economic conditions, DB has achieved three consecutive years of
double digit profit growth.
“I am extremely pleased with our results over the past three years. Besides the performance of key brands like Heineken,
Tui, Monteith’s and Export, DB has achieved success through developing new business opportunities. Our investment in
gastro pubs has been very successful, as has our foray into the competitive Australian market, where our beer and cider
sales are growing quickly.”
“Naturally I have mixed feelings as I step aside as DB is really an extended family of committed and passionate people
who have built an iconic New Zealand company. DB has developed an amazing culture and it’s been a real privilege to have
been part of the DB Team.” says Mr Blake.
Roland Pirmez, CEO for Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (APB), the parent company of DB Breweries, says that Brian Blake
is a distinguished Managing Director who is highly regarded throughout APB.
“Naturally I am sad to see Brian relinquish his role, but I am pleased that his expertise can be kept within DB as a
Chairman and that he can offer business continuity and stewardship to DB in New Zealand.”
Mr Blake’s successor will be appointed in the coming months.
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