Molson Coors UK CEO Mark Hunter has been picked to lead StarBev, the Central European business bought by the brewer last month for $3.5bn.

Hunter has been CEO of the UK and Ireland business since 2007, before which he was chief commercial officer for Molson Coors Canada. A 20-year industry veteran, he has also worked for Bass Brewers and Bulmers Drinks.

Molson Coors bought Staropramen owner StarBev to gain entry to the emerging markets of Central and Southern Europe and lessen its dependence on the more mature UK and North American markets.

Prague-based StarBev currently has breweries in the Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Montenegro, and also sells its brands in Bosnia and Slovakia.

Molson Coors CEO and president Peter Swinburn claimed Hunter was the perfect fit for StarBev because of his brand building and leadership credentials. “We are fortunate to have a proven leader to step into this new business,” he said.

As a result of the move to StarBev, Hunter has also had to step down from his role as chairman of the British beer and Pub Association.

Hunter has been an outspoken figure during his time in the UK. He has led calls for the government to remove the duty escalator on beer but has been criticised by rivals for his support of the government’s plan to introduce a minimum per unit price for alcohol.

He will be replaced at Molson Coors by global CFO Stewart Glendenning. The moves are expected to take place once the StarBev deal has been completed at the end of the second quarter. Alain Beyens, current CEO of StarBev, will leave at that time.

Glendenning is no stranger to the UK operation. Before taking up his current role, he was CFO for Molson Coors UK.

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