Luke White

White was a ‘transformative leader’, Damm said

Spanish brewer Damm has poached Budweiser Brewing Group commercial controller Luke White to head up its operations in the UK.

White has joined the Barcelona-headquartered Damm after a decade with AB InBev’s UK arm, in which he held various sales roles, culminating in a near three-year stint as on-trade commercial controller for pubcos and brewers.

He will be responsible for driving the UK growth of Damm’s flagship Estrella Damm brand, as well as other Damm products including Free Damm, Damm Lemon, Victoria Malaga, and Complot.

White was a “transformative leader” with a “track record of leading high-performing teams and managing complex projects,” said Damm.

“Luke’s leadership and deep knowledge of the UK beer industry will bring significant value to our operations and support our strategic objectives and vision in the UK,” said Damm’s international business director Juan Gonzalez. “His expertise will be instrumental in fostering a strong business culture and defining the future identity and footprint of Damm in the UK.”

White added: “I look forward to collaborating with the team to not only build on Damm’s rich heritage but also to innovate and engage with our customers in meaningful ways, to make sure they get the best experience with our brands.”

His hire comes after Damm earlier this year struck a deal to acquire CMBC’s Eagle Brewery in Bedford earlier this year. It intends to use the site, its first overseas production facility, to service demand for its beers in the UK.