Adrian McKeon has left Beam Global Spirits & Wine after two years at the helm to join Cobra Beer as chief executive.

Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, will now take the role of executive chairman, retaining an active role in the company.

"Adrian will bring a wealth of experience of the global drinks market to our management team," said Lord Bilimoria.

McKeon previously worked at boardroom level at Constellation Brands and as MD of Allied Domecq Wines before joining Beam Global Spirits & Wine as managing director in 2005. He will start in his new role at Cobra this August.

"Cobra is a very dynamic young company and I see this as a tremendous challenge," he said. "I am pleased to have the opportunity to join Cobra Beer, to help push the company forward in the years to come, and to build upon the great work Karan and the team have already achieved."

McKeon will be replaced as MD at Beam Global Spirits & Wine by Jonathan Stordy, whose role as MD of Spain, France and Portugal, which he took on last year, has been expanded to include the UK. Stordy will be supported by Drew Munroe, who has been promoted to general manager UK.

Prior to joining Beam, Stordy spent 15 years with Diageo, latterly as MD for Iberia. He has also been Iberia market director for J&B Scotch and spent five years working with Smirnoff, both in the UK and the US.

"Jonathan's market knowledge, leadership skills and relevant industry experience make him exceptionally well-qualified to hit the ground running," said Donald Gaynor, MD Beam Global Spirits & Wine's international division.

"Adrian has served the company admirably and with great distinction. We wish him luck in his new venture."

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