Bulmers sales director Colin Smith, who is credited with turning around the Bulmers take home business in the past 12 months, is leaving the company.

His departure follows Bulmers’ acquisition by Scottish & Newcastle brewers in July.

Smith took up his post in May 2002 and Bulmers general manager, Willie Crawshay, said: “Colin has made a significant contribution to the success of Bulmers off-trade in 2003 and leaves the take home side of the business in the best possible shape.”

Smith, aged 34, will leave on December 31. He has held senior sales roles at Mars and Rank Hovis McDougall. He said
he was planning a break to spend more time with his family before seeking a new career challenge.

Smith’s decision represents the last of the senior changes made as part of the integration of Bulmers into Scottish & Newcastle.

Bulmers’ sales team has been absorbed into Scottish & Newcastle’s off-trade sales business under Keith Hogg, managing director of Scottish Courage Brands.

News of Smith’s departure follows the announcement earlier this month that some senior members of Bulmers’ marketing team are leaving the company.

They are Bulmers’ group marketing director Jon Eggleton, marketing controller Sarah Heynan and Strongbow marketing manager David Hodge (The Grocer, October 4, p17).
Rod Addy