Unilever Exec Joins Beam Global as CMO

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands Inc., names Kevin B. George as senior vice president and global chief marketing officer, effective September 28, 2009.

 

In joining Beam Global, George returns to the spirits industry after 13 years at Unilever. George is currently vice president and general manager of Unilever's deodorants and hair care business unit, one of Unilever's three U.S. businesses with leading brands such as AXE, Degree, Dove and Suave. In the past four years, George established the deodorant business unit as the fastest growing Unilever business in the United States.

 

At Beam Global, George will be responsible for global brand strategy development, consumer insights and working with in-market teams to activate impactful brand building programs for the companyâs spirits portfolio, which includes major brands such as Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbons, Sauza tequila, Cruzan rum, Courvoisier cognac, Canadian Club whisky, EFFEN vodka, DeKuyper cordials and Laphroaig single-malt Scotch.

 

"Iâm excited that Kevin George will be joining Beam Global to lead our global marketing team," says Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam Global. "With his two decades of experience driving business growth for consumer packaged goods companies, passionately building power brands, and developing innovative strategies to connect with consumers, Kevin has what it takes to propel our marketing capabilities to the next level."

 

George will succeed Rory Finlay, who has decided to leave Beam Global after nearly three years with the company.