A British specialist is coming to the head of Dreher Breweries

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 08. 06. 11:23

A new CEO from England, one of the strongholds in the history of beer production, is coming to lead Dreher Breweries. Mike James was selected for the position based on his previous success within owner Asahi Europe & International. Among his main tasks will be to supervise the biggest HUF 100 billion investment in the Hungarian beer industry so far and to maintain the company’s growth trajectory. He will officially take over the position of CEO from August 1 from the previous manager, Gábor Békefi.

Mike James joined Asahi in 2018, where he held various leadership positions in finance functions – firstly in the EMEAA business (formerly Asahi Premium Brands Ltd.) and for the past 3.5 years as CFO of Asahi UK Ltd. He has extensive business experience in various global FMCG organizations in Australia, the UK and emerging markets. Mike’s strategic skills, strong business acumen and rational vision of operations brought significant value to the positions he held. He has successfully led company-wide, cross-functional projects and actively supported people development and engagement.

“Following the change of ownership, Dreher Breweries has come a long way in terms of product development and efficiency improvement over the past 7 years. This made it possible for a HUF 100 billion investment, which is unique in the Hungarian beer industry, to be realized entirely on its own, in Kőbánya in 2024. This is the merit of a prepared and motivated team, with whom I am sure that we will ensure the successful future of this 170-year-old company for many decades to come. It will be my personal mission to maintain the company’s growth path together with the team, because this will allow the investment to continue”

– said Mike James, the new CEO of Dreher Breweries.